The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has announced the opening of the first stage of bidding for the 2020 ITTF World Veterans Tour (WVT) – a series of events connecting millions of table tennis players across a professionally organized and managed format. WVT events are open to any player aged 40 and over, and include:
- A dedicated ITTF World Veterans Tour website, including event-specific pages;
- Worldwide Veterans ranking system;
- Enhanced marketing and social media programs for tour operators;
- Consistent playing formats;
- And much more!
With seven age categories on offer and match formats including men’s and women’s singles and doubles events with optional mixed doubles and team events, this is very much a Tour open to anyone and everyone who continues to show their passion for the sport!
Over 1,000 players will have competed in this year’s WVT events, which started in Shenzhen (China) in August and will conclude in Cardiff (Wales) in December. Other stops in 2019 include Townsville (Australia) in September, Ft. Lauderdale (USA) in October, and Doha (Qatar) in November.
The 2020 ITTF World Veterans Tour will be expanded to include up to 12 events. National associations, regional associations and local organizers are encouraged to be a part of the Tour, which is not just an opportunity for mass participation in an ever-growing veteran players community, but also for host cities to put on an international sporting event with visibility boosted through the support of the ITTF’s Marketing Team.
Hosts must start their bidding process with an expression of interest to the ITTF, who will then invite bidders to explain more about their proposals and submit a detailed bidding form. The strongest bids will be shortlisted by the ITTF, who will subsequently decide which hosts have been successful.
Bidding process deadlines are as follows:
- 7 October 2019: Expression of Interest
- 18 October 2019: LOC and Host Interviews
- 7 November 2019: Selection
To begin the process of hosting an event on the 2020 ITTF World Veterans Tour, click here.
To review the 2020 World Veterans Tour Directives, click here.
For more information or questions, please email [email protected]