World Table Tennis for Health Congress

What is the World Table Tennis for Health Congress (WTT4HC)?

ITTF Foundation created the inaugural World Table Tennis for Health Congress, held on November 3rd and 4th, 2023, at the Arina Beach Hotel in Crete, Greece. This Congress formed an integral part of the broader ITTF Foundation World Table Tennis for Health Festival. Attendance for the Congress was in-person as well as virtual.

CLICK HERE TO SEE PRESENTATION SLIDES AND VIDEOS FROM THE CONGRESS FROM THE 2023 EDITION

The festival showcases the transformative impact of table tennis on individuals living with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, emphasising the power of sport to enhance their lives.

The Congress, spanning two days, will feature engaging discussions, knowledge sharing sessions, and presentations that focus on the strategic aspects and the untapped potential of table tennis as a tool for promoting health and well-being. Through the Congress, the ITTF Foundation will also seek to understand how to realise potential of table tennis to make widespread, positive impact on the health and wellbeing of people.

Whether you're a healthcare expert, a passionate sports enthusiast, or a university student, take a moment to review the objectives below and learn how you can get involved!

Objectives of the Congress

Strategic Discussions for Health Improvement: The primary objective of the Congress is to facilitate strategic discussions among key stakeholders. The aim is to maximize the contribution of table tennis to positive physical, mental, and social health outcomes.

Insights from Esteemed Health Bodies: The Congress is set to gain insights from esteemed bodies such as the World Health Organization and other specialist health and sport for development organizations. These insights will help attendees understand effective approaches and best practices for using sports, specifically table tennis, in health promotion efforts.

Engaging Key Stakeholders: The event seeks to identify and engage key stakeholders from the health sector, private sector, and relevant organizations interested in investing in initiatives that can enhance global health and well-being. By bringing these diverse groups together, the Congress aims to foster partnerships and collaborations that can drive positive change.

Advancing Research: Another critical objective is to encourage research around table tennis as a compelling solution for addressing health challenges. Governments, private entities, and organizations are increasingly recognizing the potential of sports to promote well-being. The Congress aims to provide a platform to discuss and promote research in this area, further solidifying the case for investment in table tennis as a health solution.

Knowledge Exchange and Advocacy: The Congress will foster knowledge exchange through presentations, panels, and open discussions. These sessions will shed light on the existing health challenges and advocate for the utilization of table tennis as a tool for health and well-being. By highlighting the benefits of this sport, the event aims to build a compelling case for its integration into health promotion strategies.

Contribution to the Global Goals

Target 3.4 By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.

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