Remembering Willi Lemke: An Inspiration of Sport for Development and Peace

(Left to right in the photo: North Korean player – KIM Hyok-bong, Willi Lemke, South Korean player – RYU Seung-min)

The ITTF Foundation mourns the loss of Willi Lemke, an iconic figure in the world of Sport for Development, who passed away on 12 August 2024 at the age of 77. Mr. Lemke's tireless dedication and visionary leadership have left an indelible mark on countless lives and communities around the globe.

Willi Lemke was a pioneer in harnessing the power of sport for positive social change. His passion for using sport to create positive change and foster peace was evident in every role he undertook. In 2008, then-UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon appointed him as the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Sport for Development and Peace. Mr. Lemke held this position until 2016, during which he played a pivotal role in advancing the global agenda for Sport for Development and Peace.

Mr. Lemke's influence extended far beyond his role at the United Nations. He was a dedicated advocate and collaborator with the ITTF and the ITTF Foundation. His involvement in various table tennis programmes demonstrated his belief in the unifying power of sport. Notably, Mr. Lemke supported the Ping Pong Diplomacy initiative and the Peace and Sport Cup 2011, held in Qatar.

In 2012, Mr. Lemke organised the UNOSDP Youth Leadership Camps, where he focused on cultivating the next generation of leaders in Sport for Development. The 15 camps, which brought together over 500 young people from different countries and territories, provided practical leadership skills in areas such as health, gender equality, disability, education, and peace. The ITTF was a key partner in this initiative, teaching table tennis and life skills to these young leaders.

Even in recent years, Mr. Lemke continued to make positive impacts through sport. In 2021, he served as an esteemed jury member for the final round selection of the ITTF Foundation’s Dream Building Fund powered by GSD, selecting the 6 most promising projects that used table tennis for social change in the communities.

Willi Lemke was more than just a leader; he was a visionary who understood the transformative power of sport and laid the foundation for the global Sport for Development movement. Despite his passing away, his legacy will live on through the many projects inspired by his dedication, and his spirit will forever remain a guiding light with us.