World Table Tennis Day: celebrations in full swing

World Table Tennis Day: celebrations in full swing
By Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Today is the day, Thursday 6th April 2017; it is World Table Tennis Day.

New York very much lit the torch on Tuesday 28th March when Thomas Weikert, ITTF President and Leandro Olvech, ITTF Director-Development joined Joël Bouzou, the Founder and President of the Monaco based organisation, Peace and Sport, at the headquarters of the United Nations.

All smiles in Tlalnepantia, Mexico (Photo: Eder Sanchez)

Also, Kanak Jha and Tal Leibovitz delighted all present, as they not only played an exhibition match, the helped local children improve their skills.

Now wherever you look from east to west, from north to south; the initiative is being celebrated in style.

“The idea behind this day is to gather Table Tennis enthusiasts, attract people who usually don’t play table tennis, promote the love for our sport, and ideally engage new players to the practice in the long term. I can’t wait for the entire world to play table tennis on 6 April.”
~ Thomas Weikert

In the continent of Asia, successful events have already been witnessed in Pune, India and in Laguna, Philippines in addition to Afghanistan and Singapore. Likewise in Oceania, Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia has also witnessed celebration.

Travel to the other side of the world; in Latin America, gatherings to celebrate the sport have been enjoyed in Tlalnepantia, Mexico and in Guatemala City, as well as in the Peruvian town of Chosica and in Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago.

“We are very excited about how quickly World Table Tennis Day is growing into the biggest day of the year for table tennis. We invite everyone to arrange an event, big or small, the most important thing is to celebrate and share the passion for table tennis, having fun and bringing people together.”
~ Leandro Olvech

Meanwhile, in Africa, Luanda in Angola; Hawassa in Ethiopia have witnessed events, as have several European countries. Notably meetings have already taken place in Samobor, Croatia as well as in Salbris, France and in the Portuguese capital city of Lisbon.

The sport for all, in some parts of the globe, it is not yet officially “World Table Tennis Day” but already every continent has staged events!

Join in the occasion, join in the fun; wherever you are follow the example set and play table tennis! Celebrate the day!

“Don’t forget to register your event no matter how big or small, whether held on Thursday 6th April or within one week either side. It makes a difference in showing the world the importance of this day.”
~ Glenn Tepper, ITTF Deputy Chief Executive Officer