ITTF Foundation Soaring at the 2019 Sports Business Award
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, FRIDAY 31 MAY - the International Table Tennis Federation Foundation was announced third place bronze winner of “Best Sports Event of the Year – Overseas”, for World Table Tennis Day from among 5 finalists. This year, a total 110 finalists made the cut.
ITTF Foundation was nominated for the Sports Business Awards in three categories; “Best CSR or Community Scheme” for the Buenos Aires – Tokyo, bridging the Olympic Games project, Dream Building with Refugees in Za’atari project, “Best Sports Governing Body Initiative” for the ITTF Foundation and; “Best Sports Event of the Year- Overseas” for the annual April 6, World Table Tennis Day.
In the one year since it’s establishment, ITTF Foundation has sought to build capacity, improve lives and showcase the power, and solidarity of table tennis as a sport that breaks barriers, is a catalyst for fostering peace and social cohesion and a game that improves the health and wellbeing of individuals regardless of age, physical ability and social status. It is popular, universal and inclusive.
“World Table Tennis Day creates a sense of belonging across the world by encouraging inclusive play; it spreads joy and communalism. Annually, it aims to increase table tennis participation and awareness while aligning our passion to drive positive social change. Table Tennis. For All. For Life." - Thomas Weikert, ITTF and ITTF Foundation President
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) was likewise nominated in the Best Brand Activation involving Sport for the 2018 TATA Trickshot Challenge.
This edition of the Sports Business Awards ceremony seeks to celebrate the successes and hard work of organizations, teams and individuals who make the business of sport successful and pour in effort to drive sports corporate social responsibility, charity and other community engagement projects.
With pomp and colour, ITTF Foundation has received recognition as an organization that is committed and passionate about using table tennis as a tool for peace and sustainable development; empowering local communities and connecting people globally.
ITTF Foundation's President Thomas Weikert and ITTF Foundation Director, Leandro Olvech received the Award.
World Table Tennis Day 2019 celebrations on 6th April, registered an astounding 922 events in 107 countries across the world.
The Buenos Aires – Tokyo, bridging the Olympic Games two year project in Argentina is part of ITTF Foundation’s TTLegacy program that seeks to leave positive social legacies following table tennis events in host locations while, the Nittaku Dream Building with Refugees in Za’atari three year project in Jordan is part of TTDream Building program that supports humanitarian projects.
“This is a great achievement for us all including our partners, the ITTF Foundation leadership and team as well as for every local organizer who ensures table tennis reaches a bigger and more diverse audience each year. This year was phenomenal, and we owe it to everyone who believes with us, that we are building a better world", Leandro Olvech”. ITTF Foundation Director.
We would like to congratulate all other fellow winners and nominees. Indeed, together we’re creating bigger, positive change.