A Global Gathering for Sport for Development: ITTF Foundation’s presence at the 11th Cape Town International Sport and Peace Conference
On 18-19 September, Cape Town, South Africa, was host to the 11th Cape Town International Sport and Peace Conference, which coincided with the Steering Board meeting of sportanddev and the 60th-anniversary celebration of the University of the Western Cape (UWC). Organised by the Foundation for Sport, Development & Peace (FSDP), this gathering brought together global leaders in the areas of sport for development to discuss the potential of sport in promoting peace, inclusion, and safeguarding. As a Steering Board member of sportanddev, Leandro Olvech, Director of the ITTF Foundation, participated in the events, exchanging ideas at the Steering Board meeting, sharing the Foundation's initiatives on sport safeguarding and inclusivity during the Conference, and celebrating UWC’s milestone alongside influential actors in the sport for development community.
Steering Board Meeting of sportanddev
The annual Steering Board meeting of sportanddev took place in Cape Town, hosted by the FSDP. Leandro Olvech, representing the ITTF Foundation, joined fellow board members to discuss the platform's strategic framework and upcoming initiatives. As the leading global hub for using sport to achieve social, economic, and environmental goals, sportanddev is recognised for fostering knowledge sharing, best practices, and partnerships.
Its Steering Board comprises key actors from organisations such as the Commonwealth, Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Team Up, UNHCR, FSDP and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). This year, the board welcomed a new member—USAID, marking a significant addition to the collective efforts aimed at promoting sustainable development through sport.
While in Cape Town, the Steering Board members were also invited to a tour of Robben Island, a site known for its historical significance as the location where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Mandela, a global symbol of justice, human rights, and peace, also believed in the transformative power of sport. His famous words, “Sport has the power to change the world,” resonated strongly with the core values that the global sport for development organisations and actors are committed to. Learning about the apartheid history and reflecting on Mandela's imprisonment have made the Robben Island tour an inspirational experience for the members.
11th Cape Town International Sport and Peace Conference
Following the Steering Board meeting, the 11th Cape Town International Sport and Peace Conference commenced with both in-person and virtual participation. Building on the legacy of the Paris 2024 International Olympic Education, Sport and Peace Conference, this edition of the Cape Town Conference centered around key themes including:
- Olympism, Partnerships, Values Education, and Peace
- Inclusion, Mental Health, and Wellbeing
- Sport, Safeguarding, and Anti-bullying
- Youth, Partnerships, and Skills Development
As part of the panel discussion on Sport, Safeguarding, and Anti-bullying, Leandro Olvech shared insights on the ITTF Foundation’s efforts to ensure safe sporting environments for everyone. He shared the experience of the Foundation’s commitment to safeguarding sports, particularly through the TT4ALL initiatives. He highlighted how the Foundation collaborates with diverse organisations and partners to promote diversity, inclusion, and the protection of vulnerable individuals, especially children, women, and the disadvantaged. World Table Tennis Day, one of the TT4ALL key initiatives, was also cited as a platform to advocate for these values globally.
Other notable panelists included Andrew Lepani from Team Up, Nick Sore from UNHCR, Game Mothibi from TAFISA, Thabo Tutu from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Henrietta de Preez from FSDP, Chantal Daniels from Chrysalis Academy, and Massimiliano Montanari from Save the Dream. Together, they shared experiences and best practices on fostering safe, inclusive environments in sport, echoing the shared vision of using sport to create meaningful social change.
Celebrating the University of Western Cape’s 60th Anniversary
Another memorable moment of the gathering was the celebration of UWC's 60th anniversary. UWC holds a special place in the global sport for development community as the only university in the Global South offering a master's programme specifically in sport for development and peace. Over the years, UWC has been dedicated to cultivating professionals who are enriching the field of sport for development and peace. This 60th Anniversary celebration marked not only UWC’s achievements but also its longstanding commitment to education, social justice, and leadership in sport for development.
Reflecting on the gathering in Cape Town, Leandro Olvech said:
“It’s always a pleasure to come together with the esteemed members of the sportanddev Steering Board, where the exchange of ideas drives our collective mission forward. Being part of this year’s International Sport and Peace Conference and sharing inspirations, was truly rewarding. Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the University of Western Cape with the global sport for development community was a special experience. Additionally, the tour to the historically significant Robben Island with the sportanddev Steering Board members was deeply inspirational for me. It is a place marking the pursuit of justice and a reminder of sport’s unique ability to inspire hope, foster unity, and promote lasting social change.”
We extend our gratitude to the Foundation for Sport, Development & Peace for organising and hosting the events. The gathering in Cape Town provided a valuable platform for discussions on how sport can continue to drive positive change worldwide. As the ITTF Foundation and other key actors in the sport for development sector push forward in promoting sustainable development and peace, events like this gathering will continue to strengthen the bonds and ensure steadfast growth within the community.