World Table Tennis for Health Congress
France, here we come! — Registration is OPEN for the Congress from 25th to 26th October 2024!
2024 World Table Tennis for Health Congress
We are excited to present the 2nd edition of the World Table Tennis for Health Congress. This year, the Congress will take place in Maizières-lès-Metz, France, from the morning of Friday, 25 October to the evening of Saturday, 26 October, 2024.
The Congress will bring together scientists and researchers to share knowledge on how table tennis can be used as a tool to improve well-being. It will also create opportunities for individuals to connect and exchange their experiences in managing neurodegenerative diseases in daily life.
We invite you to join us for this enriching and unifying event!
The two-day Congress will be divided into thematic sessions:
Friday, 25 October:
1. TT4Health: Active Ageing (10:30 - 11:45)
As the opening session of the World Table Tennis for Health Congress, we will highlight the significance of regular physical activity in preventing age-related decline, boosting mental and physical well-being, fostering social engagement, and promoting longevity.
2. TT4Health: Effects of Active Participation in a Sport like TT (14:00 - 15:30)
Join global experts as we discuss the role of table tennis in enhancing motor skills, cognitive function, and overall quality of life. This session will underscore its therapeutic potential, particularly in managing neurodegenerative diseases.
3. Parlons Recherche led by France Parkinson (16:00 - 19:00)
This year, the annual conferences of France Parkinson will take place during the World Table Tennis for Health Congress. We extend our thanks to France Parkinson for bringing together a distinguished panel of experts: Richelle FLANAGAN, Alexis ELBAZ, and Sabine SCHOOTEMEIJER. Discussions will cover the role of nutrition and physical activity, with a special focus on the benefits of table tennis.
Saturday, 26 October:
1. Implementing TT4Health: Guiding Handbooks (11:00 - 12:00)
This session will present practical strategies for delaying the onset of neurodegenerative symptoms. The French Federation (in collaboration with the Danish Federation) and the Table Tennis Connections association (in collaboration with the ITTF Foundation) will present their respective handbooks, detailing how to tailor exercises to individual abilities.
2. Living Well with Neurodegenerative Diseases & Caregiver Support (14:00 - 15:00)
Continuing the focus on practical guidance, specialists will provide valuable recommendations on improving daily life for individuals with neurodegenerative diseases. The session will also cover essential strategies for supporting caregivers.
3. WTT4HF: Building the Legacy (16:00 - 17:00)
We are proud to conclude the World Table Tennis for Health Congress by presenting our Erasmus + Project, SWAN (Spin for Well-being: Active lifestyles through therapeutic table tennis for individuals with Neurodegenerative diseases). It is a legacy initiative developed through partnerships formed through the journey of the Festival.
Please contact Léa Huré at lhure@foundation.ittf.com
History of the Congress:
The ITTF Foundation hosted the inaugural World Table Tennis for Health Congress on 3-4 November, 2023, at the Arina Beach Hotel in Crete, Greece. This Congress was an integral part of the broader ITTF Foundation 2023 World Table Tennis for Health Festival. Attendees participated both in person and virtually.
Click here to see Presentation Slides and Videos of the 2023 Health Congress
We have published the official video for the 2023 World Table Tennis for Health Festival including the Congress. You can watch it here:
After soaking in the unforgettable memories from the 2023 Festival in Crete, Greece, we invite you to stay tuned and celebrate with us for the 2024 World Table Tennis for Health Festival, which will take place from 23-27 October in Maizières-lès-Metz, France!
The 2024 Health Congress, spanning 2 days, will feature engaging discussions, knowledge-sharing sessions, and presentations focused on the strategic impact and untapped potential of table tennis as a tool for promoting health and well-being.
Whether you're a healthcare professional, a passionate sports enthusiast, or a university student, take a moment to explore the objectives below and discover how you can get involved!
Objectives of the Congress:
● Strategic Discussions for Health Improvement: The primary objective of the Congress is to facilitate strategic discussions among key stakeholders. The aim is to maximize the contribution of table tennis to positive physical, mental, and social health outcomes.
● Insights from Esteemed Health Bodies: The Congress is set to gain insights from esteemed bodies such as the World Health Organization and other specialist health and sport for development organizations. These insights will help attendees understand effective approaches and best practices for using sports, specifically table tennis, in health promotion efforts.
● Engaging Key Stakeholders: The event seeks to identify and engage key stakeholders from the health sector, private sector, and relevant organizations interested in investing in initiatives that can enhance global health and well-being. By bringing these diverse groups together, the Congress aims to foster partnerships and collaborations that can drive positive change.
● Advancing Research: Another critical objective is to encourage research around table tennis as a compelling solution for addressing health challenges. Governments, private entities, and organizations are increasingly recognizing the potential of sports to promote well-being. The Congress aims to provide a platform to discuss and promote research in this area, further solidifying the case for investment in table tennis as a health solution.
● Knowledge Exchange and Advocacy: The Congress will foster knowledge exchange through presentations, panels, and open discussions. These sessions will shed light on the existing health challenges and advocate for the utilization of table tennis as a tool for health and well-being. By highlighting the benefits of this sport, the event aims to build a compelling case for its integration into health promotion strategies.
Contribution to the Global Goals
Target 3.4 By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
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