Inaugural World Table Tennis for Health Congress
While the importance of physical and mental well-being is gaining widespread recognition, the convergence of sports and healthcare is emerging as a potent force for positive transformation in health and wellbeing, and especially for improving quality of life. The ITTF Foundation has created the inaugural World Table Tennis for Health Congress, to be held on November 3rd and 4th, 2023, at the Arina Beach Hotel in Crete, Greece. This Congress forms an integral part of the broader ITTF Foundation World Table Tennis for Health Festival. Attendance for the Congress can be in-person or virtual.
We would like to thank Swaythling Club International (SCI), who has come onboard as a supporter of the Congress. SCI is aligned with our vision of utilising table tennis to create positive change and will help the Foundation to promote the sport's benefits, foster development, and have a lasting impact on communities worldwide
The festival showcases the transformative impact of table tennis on individuals living with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, emphasising the power of sport to enhance their lives.
The Congress, spanning two days, will feature engaging discussions, knowledge sharing sessions, and presentations that focus on the strategic aspects and the untapped potential of table tennis as a tool for promoting health and well-being. Through the Congress, the ITTF Foundation will also seek to understand how to realise potential of table tennis to make widespread, positive impact on the health and wellbeing of people.
Whether you're a healthcare expert, a passionate sports enthusiast, or a university student, take a moment to review the objectives below and learn 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. A closed-door discussion of experts will be arranged to brainstorm and strategize ways to utilize this sport for health promotion.
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.
If you’re interested to be involved in the Congress as a participant or as an attendee – please reach out to Ramón Ortega Montes; rmontes@foundation.ittf.com.