Of course, we hope the Covid-19 pandemic will not disturb our celebrations again. But even so, we will make it a blast with your help – from home, from the park, the gym, … and wherever you would like to celebrate from to make World Table Tennis Day and our beloved sport even more popular and universal. What was the third pillar of WTTD? Right! Inclusiveness!!! That’s why we chose our new WTTD topic.

You might remember that during the past editions we provided you with tools regarding event organisation or diversity of target groups, but also diversity of possible event locations; how to use table tennis for the local purpose and for the environment.

 

2021 will be about Gender Equality and FEMpowerment through Table Tennis! So, save the date and mark 6 April 2021 in your calendar right now!

 

In general, table tennis and many other sports are facing a low participation rate of women and girls. World Table Tennis Day is a perfect excuse not only to celebrate but also to attract new players to our sport. With the 2021 preparation we will provide you with useful tools about how to get more women and girls to the table and how to keep them on board on the long term. Because table tennis is fun and should be shared with everybody.

Of course, this is not the only argument: Unfortunately, girls and women constitute the largest group of disadvantaged people in the WORLD. This is an unfair situation because all genders should have the same human rights, which has still not been achieved in many parts of the world. Therefore, we (and hopefully you, too) want to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) 5 “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls”.

We believe that everyone is equal and that the fight for equal fundamental human rights is not only related to girls and women! Everyone – INCLUDING BOYS AND MEN – has to be involved!! No matter which gender, age, race, religion, culture, and physical ability you are: We simply ask YOU to use your passion for table tennis and your motivation to do something good to take WTTD as a reason to raise awareness for gender equality in your community!
Be one of the empowered people to empower girls and women through table tennis! Support them! Help them develop skills and knowledge to become an equal partner and player.

If you’re still not convinced… Data shows a dramatic increase of violence against women and girls since the outbreak of Covid-19, in particular domestic violence. As many of them struggle to access services such as health, police, and sport facilities, you could be the person to create a safe environment for them through your WTTD celebration. Do not hesitate! JOIN US NOW! Because gender equality is central to the achievement of all UN SDGs as it is not only a human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world!
So, stay tuned for the upcoming newsletters to figure out your way of supporting girls and women in your community using table tennis.

The team of the World Table Tennis Day wishes you a happy organising. Please feel free to contact us in case of questions, comments or remarks. We will be happy to read you: april6@foundation.ittf.com.