ITTF Foundation at the TAFISA European Sport for All Forum 2025
From 25–27 March, Frankfurt, Germany became a vibrant hub for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation in the realm of inclusive sport. The TAFISA European Sport for All Forum 2025 brought together representatives from over 33 countries, united by the mission of shaping a more accessible and equitable sporting landscape across Europe. The ITTF Foundation proudly joined the Forum as a close partner of TAFISA, reinforcing our shared commitment to building a more inclusive future.
INTERACT+ Project Partners Meeting Kicks Off the Forum
Before the Forum officially began, the INTERACT+ project partners gathered on 25 March for a hybrid meeting, setting the tone for the days ahead with a review of progress and forward-looking planning. Federico Palumbo (University of Limerick) opened the meeting with an update on the upcoming Theory of Action Pilot Evaluation Report, expected in June 2025. The report reflects on data collected through interviews, surveys, and workshops, following the implementation of the Sport for All Certification Dashboard and capacity-building training sessions.
Mayssa Bsaibes (ITTF Foundation) and Jörg Benner (European Flying Disc Federation) presented an inspiring overview of the project’s training efforts. To date, seven training sessions have reached 164 participants from 89 organisations in 55 countries. These sessions have been instrumental in equipping sport stakeholders with practical tools to build more inclusive structures in their respective contexts.
Looking ahead, the project will now shift its focus to the development of an Impact Evaluation Report and the refinement of its training toolkit, incorporating insights and lessons from on-the-ground experience. Fernando Parente (FISU) also led a discussion on the sustainability of the Sport for All Certification platform, addressing the project’s lasting impact beyond 2025.
Panel Discussion: Beyond the Game – Coaching Girls to Break Barriers
During the main Forum programme, the ITTF Foundation proudly participated in a high-impact panel session titled: “Beyond the Game: Coaching Girls to Break Barriers and Stereotypes in Sport for All.”
Moderated by Osazemen Aghedo (TAFISA), the panel featured Mayssa Bsaibes (ITTF Foundation), Christoph Oberlehner (International Fistball Association), and Katarina Morlang (Deutsche Sportjugend – German Olympic Sports Confederation).
The session dived into:
- The current state of gender equality in Sport for All
- Effective coaching strategies for inclusivity and safety
- The urgent need for girl-centred coaching environments
The ITTF Foundation spotlighted the Girls’ Positive and Safe Coaching Pathway, a joint initiative with TAFISA supported by Nike. Mayssa shared the Foundation’s experience with delivering interactive workshops that cover critical topics such as body confidence, negative self-talk, menstruation, and inclusive communication techniques. These sessions have equipped coaches with the awareness and tools needed to build trust and promote long-term participation among women and girls in sport.
The panel concluded with a collective call to action: sport organisations and federations must lead the way in redefining coaching standards and creating environments where girls feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed—not just in sport, but in life.
Shaping a More Inclusive Future
Beyond the panel, the two-day Forum was filled with engaging sessions and meaningful exchanges, each contributing to a broader vision for Sport for All. The ITTF Foundation extends its sincere thanks to TAFISA for hosting such a meaningful and impactful event, and proudly stands alongside like-minded organisations committed to making sport truly accessible for everyone.