Showcasing the Power of Table Tennis at Where It All Began: ITTF Foundation at the Historic World Team Championships in London

Following the record-breaking and largest-ever global celebration of World Table Tennis Day, the table tennis world gathered for its biggest and most significant event of the year: the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals London 2026 Presented by ACN, held from 28 April to 10 May.

This edition carried a particularly special meaning. One hundred years after London hosted the very first ITTF World Championships, the sport returned to the city where it all began, celebrating the ITTF Centenary and marking a historic milestone for the global table tennis family. Across two unforgettable weeks, athletes, fans, Member Associations, and stakeholders came together to honour the past and shape the future of the sport.

As the social responsibility arm of the ITTF family, the ITTF Foundation was proud to be part of this remarkable occasion, using the platform to spread the message of social impact and demonstrate the transformative power of table tennis beyond the excitement of competition.

Kicking Off with Community Spirit: World Table Tennis Day at Greenhouse Sports

Keeping the momentum alive after World Table Tennis Day on 23 April, celebrations continued in London on the eve of the Championships.

On 27 April, the newly renovated Greenhouse Centre opened its doors to the local community, transforming a former church into a vibrant space filled with table tennis, well-being, and connection. Hosted by Greenhouse Sports, a sport-for-development charity, together with World Table Tennis Day Promoter Maria Ingles and supported by the ITTF Foundation, the event celebrated not only World Table Tennis Day but also the centenary of table tennis.

The celebration brought together children, families, coaches, local partners, and participants across generations. Inclusive activities filled the venue, from fun games and exhibitions to interactive stations, a Spinsight table, and health-focused activities integrated through Greenhouse's programme.

The event was also attended by ITTF & ITTF Foundation President Petra Sörling and ITTF Secretary General Stefan Bergh, alongside representatives from Table Tennis England and the ever-energetic Ping! WTTTC mascot.

Across generations and backgrounds, the celebration demonstrated how table tennis can bring people together, strengthen communities, and build excitement ahead of the main event in London.

Bringing Purpose to the Fan Experience

As the Championships officially got underway, the ITTF Foundation booth opened its doors to welcome fans and visitors from around the world.

Located within the event venue, the booth became a lively gathering point where spectators could discover the Foundation's initiatives, learn more about our projects and causes, and support our mission through Foundation merchandise and fundraising activities.

Visitors embraced crazy rackets, fun games, and interactive activities, creating moments of joy and engagement while opening conversations around how table tennis can be used as a tool for positive change.

From passionate supporters and families to coaches and representatives from Member Associations, the booth became another important opportunity to spread awareness and invite more people to join our mission.

Witnessing Change on the Ground: Visiting the TT4Change Project "Ping! For Health"

During the Championships, the Foundation team and Governing Board members had the opportunity to witness social impact first-hand through a visit to one of the TT4Change projects: Table Tennis England's "Ping! For Health."

Dedicated to advancing health and inclusion in alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 10, the programme addresses physical and mental well-being through accessible and engaging table tennis activities. Working alongside partners including Parkinson's UK, Activity Alliance, and local health organisations, the project delivers sessions in safe and welcoming environments ranging from care homes and stroke support groups to community centres.

The Foundation delegation, including President Petra Sörling, Princess Zeina Rashid of Jordan, and Bruce Burton, met project leaders and participants, explored adaptive equipment and robots used during activities, and listened to powerful personal stories. The visit offered a meaningful reminder of how table tennis can transform lives far beyond elite competition.

Importantly, this initiative will continue as part of the Championships' lasting legacy. Supported through TT4Change, the programme will continue for at least three years and beyond, bringing positive impact to communities long after the final match in London.

A Message of Hope at the ITTF Centenary Gala Dinner

Among the many memorable moments celebrating 100 years of table tennis, one powerful story stood out.

At the ITTF Centenary Gala Dinner, attended by hundreds from the global table tennis family, Janice Fuller took the stage and delivered a moving testimony on behalf of the neurodegenerative disease community.

Having participated in the 2019 World Parkinson’s Championships and 2025 World Table Tennis for Health Festival, Janice shared how table tennis had transformed her journey with Parkinson's disease and how the Foundation's initiatives had brought hope and purpose.

"The ITTF Foundation is offering people with Parkinson's the opportunity to play in a world title event. In my grey world that is Parkinson's, a bright light shone in — a beacon of hope that I could still take part in something special and compete on a level footing."

Her heartfelt words deeply touched the audience and were met with warm applause throughout the room.

Janice concluded with a powerful message: "Keep showing up. Keep playing as long as possible."

At this special occasion, the Foundation also launched its fundraising campaign supporting two players with Parkinson's participating in the upcoming ITTF World Masters Championships in Gangneung, Korea Republic, helping more individuals showcase resilience, determination, and hope through the sport. Click here to support their journey!

Sharing Knowledge and Inspiring Future Projects

During the ITTF Summit, the Foundation hosted a dedicated session for Member Associations and stakeholders, focusing on Table Tennis for Development. The interactive workshop introduced participants to the Foundation's current programmes and initiatives while providing practical guidance on how organisations can leverage table tennis as a tool for social impact.

Attendees explored the principles of Table Tennis for Development, discussed project implementation approaches, and learned about available funding opportunities that can support initiatives within their own communities.

The session offered an important platform for exchange, allowing participants to engage directly with the Foundation team, ask questions, and explore future opportunities for collaboration.

Reflecting on a Year of Impact at the Annual General Meeting

At the ITTF Annual General Meeting, where the ITTF Group and Member Associations gathered to reflect and discuss the future of the sport, the Foundation looked back on another meaningful year of impact.

Through the presentation and our annual highlights video, delegates reflected on the achievements and milestones reached across our core programmes throughout 2025.

The moment served as an opportunity not only to celebrate progress but also to recognise the collective effort of partners, communities, and supporters who continue helping us advance positive change through table tennis.

Strengthening Partnerships for Future Impact

Amid a busy and inspiring period in London, meaningful partnerships continued to grow.

The ITTF Foundation and Swaythling Club International extended their sponsorship agreement, reinforcing SCI's commitment to supporting our TT4Health programme and initiatives.

The agreement was signed by SCI President Claude Bergeret and Foundation Director Leandro Olvech and will support upcoming initiatives, including the Foundation’s Parkinson's team campaign at the World Masters Championships and future World Table Tennis for Health Congress.

Looking Ahead

Being present in London, the birthplace of ITTF and of the first-ever World Championships, carried special meaning.

Throughout this historic gathering, we were grateful for the opportunity to spread awareness, build connections, and share our belief in table tennis as a tool for positive social impact.

As the sport enters its next century, we remain committed to our mission of creating a better world through table tennis, ensuring that alongside every competition and every championship, the power of sport continues to inspire, include, and transform lives.

As we look ahead, we will continue our journey of creating impact through our beloved sport, working together with the global community to make a difference around the world.