World Table Tennis Day 2024 Celebration Report is Out!
Six months after the global celebration of World Table Tennis Day (WTTD) 2024 and six months to go until the anticipated WTTD 2025, the ITTF Foundation is filled with joy and excitement to unveil the World Table Tennis Day 2024 Report (click here)! This comprehensive Report captures how table tennis brought people, communities, and the love for the sport together on 23 April with record-breaking participation, dynamic events, and impactful initiatives that champion the theme of Diversity and Inclusion.
Key Highlights of the Report
The Report offers a vivid and detailed glimpse into the diverse and inclusive atmosphere of WTTD 2024, packed with insightful figures and analysis, first-hand stories of the events, acknowledgements of the incredible organisers and partners, and a wealth of inspiration for future celebrations.
- Record-high participation
Under the theme of Diversity and Inclusion, WTTD 2024 achieved a significant milestone with 812 registered events across 121 countries and territories. Notably, 567 of the events (70%) were organised by first-time contributors, showcasing the growing enthusiasm for the initiative. More than 87,000 participants from diverse age groups, gender identities, and backgrounds took part, making it a truly global and inclusive celebration.
- Continental celebrations
From Para-inclusive coaching sessions to youth and elderly engagement, the five Continental Federations, alongside their selected Member Associations, infused the WTTD theme into their communities. The continental celebrations not only amplified the festive spirit but also left lasting legacies of inclusivity and engagement.
- Promoters initiative
This year, 32 WTTD Promoters from 4 continents got involved, bringing table tennis to over 7,000 participants. The Promoters’ stories and community-driven activities illustrated in the Report showcased how much grassroots efforts they have made.
- Leipzig event
For the first time, the ITTF Foundation hosted a WTTD event in its headquarters city of Leipzig. The vibrant celebration featured an inclusive tournament, a mixed doubles showcase with diverse players, and a roundtable on addressing barriers to diversity and inclusion in table tennis.
- Innovative partnerships
Through the collaboration with the Pongmasters app, 141 new table tennis tables and 240 reviews were mapped globally in the month of the WTTD celebration, fostering accessibility and community connectivity in the world of table tennis. Developed in collaboration with Pro Sport Development and supported by Deutsche Gesellschaft für International Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), we released the Diversity and Inclusion Handbook Phase 1, offering practical guidance for creating inclusive environments. Building on this effort, Phase 2 of the Handbook will be published soon next month.
Looking Ahead to WTTD 2025
As we celebrate the success of WTTD 2024, we extend our deepest gratitude to our partners and all the event organisers, volunteers, and participants who made it all unforgettable. Looking back on the vibrant WTTD 2024 through this Report, we eagerly anticipate the coming of WTTD 2025, continuing the theme of Diversity and Inclusion. Together, we prove that #TTBelongsToYou—and to everyone!
Click here to read the full Report and explore more
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Want to make a difference? Applications to become a WTTD 2025 Promoter are open until 11 December 2024. Click here to join the Promoter initiative in shaping the next global celebration.
Reach out to us at info@foundation.ittf.com if you would like to partner with us for the upcoming year’s celebration!