The ITTF Foundation at the Sport for Development Network in Berlin

On December 4th, Berlin became the stage for an inspiring gathering of changemakers as the Sport for Development (S4D) Network Germany e.V. held its first official General Assembly. This event marked a key milestone for the recently founded multi-stakeholder network, which unites 28 organisations from the sports, civil society and academic sectors. These organisations are deeply committed to advancing the power of Sport for Development (S4D)—whether through implementation, funding or research.

The ITTF Foundation was proud to be part of this exciting day, bringing our vision of using table tennis as a tool for development to the conversation. As a global advocate for S4D, we joined hands with other organisations to discuss how sport can drive social change, foster inclusion, and create lasting impact.

A Day of Progress and Collaboration

The assembly kicked off with the presentation of the board’s strategic goals for the next two years. These goals aim to strengthen the network's foundation, enhance its influence and ensure meaningful contributions to the S4D sector. One of the highlights was the barcamp session, where participants engaged in dynamic discussions on crucial topics. These open conversations fostered collaboration, reaffirming the network's collective commitment to creating a better future through sport.

An Evening to Remember

In the evening, the focus shifted to the Böse Buben Bar in Berlin-Mitte, where the network opened its doors to a broader audience. Here, the Sport for Development approach was brought to life through two thought-provoking panel discussions and a lively exchange of ideas.

The first panel featured representatives from impactful grassroots initiatives: Kiril from Citizen2be, Playmaker Fatima from Safe-Hub Berlin, and Moritz Janke, site manager for Learning with a Kick in Munich. They shared their experiences, challenges and triumphs in implementing S4D projects, offering valuable insights into the on-the-ground realities of using sport to drive social change.

The second panel brought together influential voices in the S4D sector, including: Franziska Fey from the DFL Foundation, Dr. Karen Petry from the German Sport University Cologne, and Philip Krämer, Member of the German Bundestag. This discussion delved into the importance and unique aspects of the S4D movement, exploring its potential to address some of society's most pressing challenges. The ITTF Foundation contributed by sharing our expertise in leveraging table tennis as a universal tool for development.

More Than Just Conversations

The event was not only about discussions—it was a celebration of the spirit of collaboration. The evening was brought to life with a live performance by Berlin rappers Flame030 and the Jungs aus CHB, creating an atmosphere of energy and unity.
For the ITTF Foundation, the day was an opportunity to exchange ideas with like-minded organisations, strengthen existing partnerships and explore new ways to amplify our impact.

Looking Ahead

Together, we are setting the stage for a future where sport, including table tennis, is a driving force for development.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to working with the S4D Network Germany and other stakeholders to continue building bridges, breaking barriers and inspiring hope through sport.

Let’s keep the momentum going—because sport truly is for ALL.