Building towards 2025 World Table Tennis for Health Festival: ITTF Foundation's Inspection Visit to Sweden
It has been one month since the conclusion of the 2024 World Table Tennis for Health Festival, but the ITTF Foundation has not slowed down its pace. Instead, we’ve embraced the valuable lessons learned and feedback received and begun preparations for an even more impactful event in 2025. Our journey towards the 2025 World Table Tennis for Health Festival officially began with a recent inspection visit to Helsingborg, Sweden — the host city for next year’s Festival.
The visit was strategically timed to coincide with the ITTF World Youth Championships 2024 and the ITTF Youth Development Summit. Between 24-26 November, we focused on various organisational aspects, communication with the Local Organising Committee (LOC)—Swedish Table Tennis Association, and strengthening partnerships that will be crucial to the success of the upcoming Festival.
(The venue in the picture will serve as the main competition hall for the 2025 World Table Tennis for Health Festival.)
A Firm First Step on the Road to the 2025 Festival
During our visit, we conducted a comprehensive inspection of the venues of the ITTF World Youth Championships 2024 in Helsingborg which will also host the 2025 Festival, including facilities for the Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Championships and the Health Congress. The inspection allowed us to gain a detailed understanding of the site’s logistics, accessibility, and safety features, as well as the transportation and catering arrangements that will support participants and visitors.
A key part of our visit was to strengthen the communication and collaboration with the LOC, who have shown immense enthusiasm and dedication. Together, we explored potential ways to enhance the event experience of the Festival participants, increase the involvement of local and national organisations, as well as engage the Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s communities to ensure the event remains inclusive and impactful.
In addition to our venue inspection, we also attended the inspiring sessions at the ITTF Youth Development Summit and a session led by the International Testing Agency (ITA) on Clean Sport. These sessions highlighted topics such as nurturing young talent, fostering inclusivity, and overcoming challenges in sport development, enriching our insights and perspectives on shaping our future initiatives and programmes.
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on the visit, Leandro Olvech, ITTF Foundation Director, shared:
"We are very satisfied with the results of the visit. The LOC is very professional and motivated. The Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Championships and the Congress will be held under the same roof. The venue will also host the European Para Table Tennis Championships next year, ensuring full accessibility for people with reduced mobility."
Our visit to Helsingborg marked a significant start in our mission towards the 2025 Festival. It was not only a critical first step in ensuring the success of the event but also a reaffirmation of our continuous efforts to use table tennis for positive change and promoting health.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Swedish Table Tennis Association for their warm hospitality, proactive collaboration, and shared dedication to making the 2025 Festival a success. Their support has already boosted our confidence and excitement as we move forward.
As we continue our preparations, we remain committed to delivering a Festival that will inspire and connect individuals and communities. Together, we look forward to welcoming participants, coaches, caregivers, and fans from around the world to Helsingborg in 2025 for an unforgettable celebration of table tennis and health!