15 days to go to World Table Tennis Day! Launching the Diversity and Inclusion Handbook
With 15 days to go to World Table Tennis Day, the ITTF Foundation proudly presents the launch of the World Table Tennis Day (WTTD) Diversity and Inclusion Handbook – Phase 1 (click here). Crafted with support from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), this handbook represents a significant stride towards fostering diversity and inclusivity within the sport. Furthermore, the handbook has been created in collaboration with Pro Sport Development (PSD) who has worked with the Foundation previously on the TT4D handbook as well.
The overarching theme of Diversity and Inclusion for WTTD 2024 and 2025 underscores the ITTF Group's commitment to shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future through table tennis. The Handbook serves as a thought starter to understand diversity and inclusion in the sport around varied geographical and contextual settings. From assessing and integrating diversity to advocating for inclusivity, the handbook equips stakeholders, including table tennis organisations and individuals, with the tools needed to foster a welcoming environment within table tennis settings.
Besides the strategic recommendations, the handbook offers a concrete starting point for practical implementation, encouraging readers to identify the diversity and inclusion parameters of table tennis tables within their communities. To facilitate this endeavour, we have developed a questionnaire (click here) to evaluate diversity and inclusion in the local table tennis reality using Leipzig as an example, where the ITTF Foundation’s headquarters is located. On a global scale, we are proudly partnering with Pongmasters, an application designed to unite table tennis players of all backgrounds, gender identities, ages, skill levels, and characteristics. One of the features of the mobile app is also to map table tennis tables.
Our goal is to create a world map of table tennis tables, encompassing not just their various locations, but also diversity and inclusion attributes such as 'Wheelchair accessibility' and 'Lighting' for tables. By mapping these parameters, more people will feel a sense of safety and belonging, leading to better access to our game.
To make the mapping process simple, we have developed a step-by-step manual (click here). As the launch of the WTTD Diversity and Inclusion Handbook – Phase 1 signifies a crucial milestone in our collective pursuit of an equitable and inclusive table tennis community, we extend an invitation to everyone to take action today. Celebrate the spirit of diversity and inclusion as we unite to champion diversity and inclusivity in and through table tennis on the upcoming World Table Tennis Day this 23rd April!