The ITTF High Performance & Development are pleased to announce GV Hennebont Tennis de Table as the host of the 2022 ITTF World Hopes Week & Challenge, from 16-22 January 2023.
Based in the city of Hennebont in the west part of France, the Hennebont Ping Center is an international center for training, education, and competition. The 3,500m2 complex dedicated to table tennis hosts an Academy, training camps, and international events. This modern and modular infrastructure is managed by the French professional club GV Hennebont Tennis de Table, which on top of being ranked #3 in Europe, has developed 20 years of expertise in the respective activities mentioned.
The Hopes Program is the ITTF’s talent identification program, which unites players and coaches from across the globe. It is a core pillar of ITTF’s High Performance & Development pathways, targeting global reach and overall growth of table tennis.
“The Hopes is one of our most popular global programs that features a unique pathway from talent scouting via different selection processes all the way to talent development; we could say it’s a road to excellence that since its inception 13 years ago annually sees more than 300 girls and boys from all corners of the globe take part across all the phases of the Hopes pyramid. We are excited that this year’s edition, held in January 2023, will bring the caravan to France, more specifically to Hennebont, and we are positive that just as the state-of-the-art facilities of the new venue that the local club has recently inaugurated, the conditions for the 40 young talented players and their entourage will be at the highest possible level.” Polona CEHOVIN, ITTF HPD Director
After a continental qualification process, up to 40 players (20 girls, 20 boys) and their coaches will meet in Hennebont (FRA) for an intense week of table tennis training, educational sessions, and the final Hopes Challenge tournament.
“We are truly honored to have been selected for hosting the iconic ITTF event in terms of talent identification. The 2022 ITTF World Hopes Week and Challenge will be the first international event hosted in the Hennebont Ping Center, therefore we will put all our efforts to deliver the best edition ever in order to demonstrate the potential of this unique infrastructure. We look forward to welcome in few months the 40 most promising girls and boys from all over the world.” Bruno ABRAHAM, President of GV Hennebont TT
For the first time, sustainability has been a criterium in the bidding process, underlining the ITTF’s commitment to embracing sustainability efforts in its activities. Hennebont impressed with their commitment to reducing gas emissions by using locally sourced products during catered meals, abolishing the use of single-use plastic bottles for training, and demonstrating a commitment to a sustainable legacy for the sport by cooperating closely with the local middle school, incorporating participation programs for pupils into their bid.