2024 World Table Tennis for Health Festival concluded in celebration of unity, friendship, and shared passion!

The 2024 World Table Tennis for Health Festival, held in Maizières-lès-Metz, France, from October 23-27, concluded in a celebration of camaraderie, joy, and mutual support. This year’s event marked the Festival’s largest gathering yet, with a record-breaking 156 participants representing 25 countries and territories. Over five days, players, caregivers, coaches, and spectators bonded over a shared passion, friendship, and inspiring energy through table tennis. The Festival was alive with thrilling action and emotional moments. Despite certain operational challenges due to our attempt to introduce a new competition format, the overwhelming support from participants and fans has reaffirmed our mission. Next year, we aim to work more closely and in collaboration with the Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s community, bringing an even better event to Helsingborg, Sweden.

The Festival started with the two main Championships: the World Parkinson’s Table Tennis Championships and the World Alzheimer’s Table Tennis Championships. The competitions featured exciting and inspiring Men’s and Women’s Doubles and Singles, as well as Mixed Doubles in three class levels in the Parkinson’s Championships, and Men’s and Women’s Singles in the Alzheimer’s Championships.

Participants included familiar faces and newcomers from around the globe, with three countries and territories, Luxembourg, Norway, and Jersey, making their debut appearances.

The spirit of sportsmanship was palpable, and the resilience and determination shone at every table. Yet more importantly, it was the joy of playing, the connections forged, and the understanding of shared life challenges that stayed in the heart of all. (Click here to see the match results)

Also forming an integral part of the festival was the two-day World Table Tennis for Health Congress which brought together innovative minds and invaluable insights on health and neurodegenerative diseases.

Esteemed speakers from leading organisations and institutes, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), presented their latest research and shared practical approaches to using table tennis to improve wellness and combat Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

The Congress attendees engaged actively, raising interesting questions and evoking reflective discussions.

As a collaborative effort between the ITTF Foundation and Table Tennis Connections, the comprehensive NeuroPong™ Handbook was launched at the Congress. Aiming to address the growing need for guidance in using table tennis to slow or improve the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, this resource offers scientific knowledge and practical instructions to enhance the quality of life for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and Dementia. (Click here to access the handbook)

During the Congress, a significant milestone in our Ambassador programme took place with table tennis legend Zoran Primorac being announced as the newest ITTF Foundation Ambassador. His commitment to promoting the positive values of table tennis, especially in relation to health, will inspire future initiatives to build on the Foundation’s mission.

Building momentum one month ahead of the inaugural World Esports Table Tennis Championships in November in Sweden, a lively VR table tennis activity energised the players' lounge at the Festival.

Open to all skill levels and ages, the VR activity allowed everyone to immerse themselves in the thrill of table tennis without the restrictions of space and equipment. Festival participants, coaches, caregivers, and fans all joined in, discovering the fun and excitement of this experience.

The heartwarming award and closing ceremony was marked by shared happiness and mutual support among the medallists and all participants. The atmosphere embodied a festival of unity.

As the French Local Organising Committee ceremoniously passed the ITTF Foundation flag to the representative from the Swedish Table Tennis Association, it marked the announcement of Sweden being the host of the event in 2025.

Looking ahead to the 2025 edition in Sweden, we extend our deepest gratitude to the Festival’s main sponsor, Ultimate Table Tennis, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in driving our goals forward. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the umpire, referees, volunteers, and the Local Organizing Committee, including the Maizières-lès-Metz Table Tennis Club, Moselle Departmental Committee, and Grand Est Table Tennis League, whose efforts and dedication from the very beginning brought this global event to reality and success.

Special thanks go to the city government of Maizières-lès-Metz, the department of Moselle, and the French Table Tennis Federation (FFTT) for their solid support, as well as to France Parkinson for enriching the Congress with their contributions. Additionally, a warm thank you to everyone who visited the Foundation’s booth at the venue and to the more than 60 individuals who had fun games with us and generously donated, boosting our projects, mission, and vision for a healthier, more inclusive world.

As we bid farewell to this year’s edition, we are deeply grateful to all the participants who overcame countless challenges to join us and be part of the Festival. In our mind, you are the superheroes who embody the resilience of not only determined athletes but also inspirations to all of us. The ITTF Foundation team will carry forward the lessons and the motivation for improvement from this unforgettable week and eagerly look forward to seeing everyone next year in Helsingborg, Sweden, for the 2025 World Table Tennis for Health Festival. Please join us once again to celebrate resilience, friendship, and the boundless joy of table tennis!