Governing Board Meets at ITTF Foundation Headquarters: A Milestone for Strategic Development
The ITTF Foundation, under the leadership of President Petra Sörling, recently achieved a significant milestone as its Governing Board convened physically at the organisation's headquarters in Leipzig on June 19, 2023. This gathering marked a momentous occasion, allowing board members, Petra Sörling (in the middle of the picture), Steve Dainton, Bruce Burton, Leandro Olvech, Stefano Bosi (from left to right in the picture), to engage in fruitful discussions, collaborate with staff, and make crucial decisions regarding the Foundation's strategic direction. The outcomes of these meetings reinforce our commitment to gender equity, diversity and inclusion, the advancement of its programmes, effective fundraising and marketing, and the pursuit of partnerships for greater societal impact.
A Strong and Expert Governing Board:
The ITTF Foundation's Governing Board comprises distinguished individuals who bring a wealth of expertise to the table. President Petra Sörling expressed her deep satisfaction with the collaboration of the Governing Board and the Foundation staff.
"The meeting in Leipzig was, in many respects, proof that our ITTF Foundation has a well-functioning and forward-looking Governing Board that can trust on the decisions they take being prepared and implemented by the competent staff. The Foundation not only contributes to a better life for individuals but also generates benefits for the table tennis community."
Key Topics and Decisions:
During the physical meeting at the headquarters, the Governing Board engaged in productive discussions centered around various key topics. These included:
- Gender Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: The board recognised the importance of promoting gender equity, diversity, and inclusion within the realm of table tennis and sport in general. By prioritising these values, we aim to foster an inclusive environment that embraces individuals from all backgrounds and abilities.
- ITTF Foundation programmes update and next steps: The board reviewed the progress of existing programmes and outlined strategic steps for their further development. By constantly evaluating and enhancing our initiatives, we aim to maximise their positive impact and contribute meaningfully to society.
- Fundraising and Marketing: The Governing Board focused on strategies to strengthen the Foundation's fundraising efforts and enhance its marketing activities. These discussions aimed to secure the necessary resources for sustainable growth and raise awareness about our mission and accomplishments.
Key Commitments:
During the official meeting, the Governing Board reached several important decisions, demonstrating their commitment to advancing the Foundation's goals:
- World Table Tennis Day: The board discussed the growth and future of the World Table Tennis Day. It was decided that future topics for the event will extend over a two-year period. The upcoming topic for 2024/2025 will be announced shortly, allowing for comprehensive planning and greater engagement.
- World Table Tennis for Health Festival: The board acknowledged the excellent preparation of the World Table Tennis for Health Festival, recognising its positive impact on promoting health and well-being through the sport. The success of this event exemplified the foundation's dedication to utilising table tennis as a tool for community wellness.
- Partnership with Special Olympics: The ITTF Foundation announced a new partnership with Special Olympics, aiming to enhance the inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities in table tennis. This collaboration signifies a significant step forward in fostering greater inclusivity within the sport, enabling more individuals to participate and benefit from its transformative power.
A Visionary Team:
Steve Dainton, the ITTF Group CEO and Governing Board member, expressed his gratitude for the outstanding teamwork exhibited by the foundation's staff and board members:
"Our organization's cohesive and motivated approach has propelled us to the forefront of Sport for Development and Peace initiatives. The professionalism exhibited by our young experts positions us as a leading organisation, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in this field."
Leandro Olvech, ITTF Foundation Governing Board Member and Director, commended the successful composition of the foundation's board:
“With some members serving ex officio due to their positions within the ITTF and others appointed, the board benefits from close alignment with the ITTF Group while maintaining the necessary autonomy for decision-making. Olvech commended the management team for efficiently executing board decisions and providing valuable advice to the board members.”