Celebrating ITTF Foundation's inclusion at the ITTF Teams Table Tennis Championships Finals Busan 2024!

The spirit of camaraderie and the thrill of competition were palpable at the ITTF World Teams Table Tennis Championships (WTTTC) Finals 2024 in Busan. But amidst the intense matches and fervent cheers, the ITTF Foundation found a platform to make people aware of the meaningful impact taking place through our beloved sport. The Foundation's presence at this prestigious event symbolised our testament to our unwavering commitment to using table tennis as a catalyst for positive change worldwide.

At the massive fan zone created for spectators to have an unforgettable experience, the ITTF Foundation had a booth to spread hope and engage in joyful activities. With the consistent support of the Korean Table Tennis Association, our esteemed ambassador Ryu Seung-Min, and the Busan 2024 WTTTC Local Organizing Committee, we were able to showcase our initiatives and engage with fans in a dynamic and interactive manner.

From spreading awareness about our mission to fundraising for specific projects, the booth served as a hub of activity, where fans could experience the joy of table tennis firsthand. The Foundation’s very own Ramón Ortega Montes created innovative crazy rackets, which added an extra element of fun to the proceedings.

One of the highlights of the booth was seeing members of the Local Organizing Committee and the ITTF staff join in the excitement, demonstrating their passion for the sport and our cause. Special recognition is extended to certain players who visited the booth and kindly autographed the table, with a few even participating in table tennis matches on our setup.

We have to point out Maciej Kubik from Poland who enthusiastically joined us, along with various ITTF staff and fans, engaging in spirited gameplay for nearly 45 minutes!

Amidst the tournament's hustle and bustle, the ITTF Foundation Governing Board convened to discuss the progress of ongoing programs and chart a course for the future.

This year's meeting was particularly special as we welcomed Ms. Vita Dani to her first in-person board meeting. She brought in fresh perspectives and a wealth of experienced ideas to enrich our endeavours in the months and years to come.

Furthermore, we were thrilled to announce our partnership with Ultimate Table Tennis, marking a significant milestone in our journey. Their support for the World Table Tennis For Health festival underscores our shared commitment to promoting well-being through the power of sport.

As a token of our appreciation, we also hosted a reception to honour the generous donors whose contributions have propelled our mission forward, including Mr. Chew Shee Koon Malcolm and Mr. Youngkyu David Lim.

Ryu's tireless advocacy has inspired individuals and organizations alike to rally behind our cause, and we are deeply grateful for their support.

An Equipment Second Life donation initiative was activated during the Championships to foster engagement among players and teams regarding the issue of waste and solidarity. This initiative serves as a platform for players to donate their equipment, which will play a vital role in bolstering the Emergency Relief Fund through the ITTF Foundation to support communities affected by disasters.

Many thanks to Sofia Polcanova (AUS), Karoline Mischek (AUS), Jorgen Persson (SWE), Dennis Lindahl (SWE), and Achanta Sharath Kamal (IND) for their invaluable donations. We extend gratitude to the Busan 2024 WTTTC Local Organizing Committee for their support and a special shout-out to Kim Dong Hyun for the on-site coordination in making this initiative a reality.

The Foundation also had a small presence at the ITTF Awards night where we held a silent auction of the mini table tennis table adorned with the signatures of esteemed players and dignitaries.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Ali for his generous bid and winning the table.

Finally, at the ITTF Foundation director's address during the AGM, we reflected on our journey over the past five years and celebrated the success of the World Table Tennis For Health Festival 2023. With a renewed sense of purpose, we look ahead to World Table Tennis Day on April 23, 2024, as we strive to promote diversity and inclusion through the joy of table tennis.

As we bid farewell to Busan 2024, we want to thank everyone involved for creating a really well-run event as well as the ITTF Summit and supporting the Foundation wholeheartedly. A final and most important thank you goes out to the people of Busan – who embraced the Foundation’s vision and enjoyed the activities we had for them!