
ITTF Foundation co-founds Sport for Development Network Germany with 27 organisations
On 10 July 2024, the ITTF Foundation, along with 27 other organisations, co-founded the Sport for Development Network Germany (Sport for Development Netzwerk Deutschland) in Berlin! This collaborative Network seeks to strengthen impact potentials, foster systematic networking, promote knowledge exchange, create synergies, and ensure international connectivity in the Sport for Development (S4D) field. Supported by organisations dedicated to leveraging the potential of sport for positive social impact, the Network is set to highlight and expand the importance of S4D within Germany and beyond.
A Growing Trend in the S4D Sector with Diverse Engagement in Germany
According to a mapping study by the German Sport University Cologne, the S4D sector in Germany has significantly grown since the 2000s. The number of S4D organisations has increased, and the range of target groups and issues addressed has broadened. This growth has necessitated a systematic network and heightened international connectivity. The idea to form such a network emerged in 2020, driven by a steering group comprising representatives from Bike Bridge, Common Goal, German Sport University Cologne, DFL Foundation, Laureus Sport for Good, Step Foundation, and SUPR SPORTS.
ITTF Foundation's commitment to the Network
As an international not-for-profit sport organisation dedicated to creating positive social change in communities worldwide through table tennis and headquartered in Leipzig, Germany, we have been amplifying our influence and connections in the S4D area both locally and globally. By co-founding and joining the S4D Network Germany, we aim to further deepen our efforts, enhance the S4D approach's impact in Germany, and expand the network’s international reach. Together with all member organisations, we are committed to advancing networking, facilitating knowledge exchange, and increasing collaborations in S4D communities.
At the founding event, the new board members of the S4D Network Germany were also elected. We sincerely congratulate Dr. Karen Petry from German Sport University Cologne, Johannes Axster from Common Goal, Julia Schilling from Laureus Sport for Good, Lena Pawelke from Bike Bridge, and Jens Dreesen from SUPR Sports for being chosen to guide and serve the Network for the next two years. With their diverse experience and perspectives, their leadership will be instrumental in driving the Network's vision and practices forward, fostering the growth of the Network.
Now joining hands with the founding members of the S4D Network Germany, we would like to invite all organisations dedicated to the S4D sector in Germany to become part of this community. If you are involved in S4D, based in Germany, and wish to join, visit s4d-netzwerk.de for more information. We look forward to growing together and connecting with more partners at the upcoming meeting of this collaborative network in December.
Initiators & Founding Members:
Laureus Sport for Good Foundation Germany
Founding Members:
AMANDLA gGmbH
beneFit e.V.
Citizen2b gUg
DK Kompetenzpark UG
FC INTERNATIONALE BERLIN 1980 e.V.
Grünhof e.V.
Integration durch Sport und Bildung e.V.
International Table Tennis Federation Foundation
Verein für Fraueninteressen e.V. (JUNO)
Lernort Stadion e.V.
LitCam gGmbH
Martial Arts for Peace gGmbH
Right To Play Deutschland gGmbH
Special Olympics Deutschland e.V.
Special Olympics Baden-Württemberg e.V.
Spirit of Football e.V.
Sport 4 Development e.V.
YouMo! GUG
Wir bewegen Kids GmbH
World Wide Unity e.V.
Zweikampfverhalten e.V.