Melissa TAPPER starting off the World Table Tennis Day festivities off in Nepal

Table Tennis for NepALL – Inauguration Ceremony

Kathmandu hosts the main event of World Table Tennis Day and promotes Table Tennis among people with a disability in Nepal

On April 6 Kathmandu has the honour to be the capital of the World Table Tennis Day (WTTD) celebrated by Table Tennis enthusiasts all over the world to show the public a sport able to gather all kind of people having fun while playing Table Tennis.

The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) chose Nepal to host the WTTD main event as it coincides with the launching of ‘Table Tennis for NepALL – Project’ a motivating sample project that aims to develop the practice of Table Tennis among people with a disability in Nepal. The same ceremony inaugurates the newly renovated Para Table Tennis Training Centre in Kathmandu (damaged by last year’s earthquake) and celebrates the International Day on Sport for Development and Peace.

Table Tennis for NepALL runs for three years and is organized by ‘All Nepal Table Tennis Association’ (ANTTA) ‘Nepalese Disabled Table Tennis Association’ (NDTTA) together with International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). The United Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace and the International Working Group supports the project.

It will run simultaneously in Biratnagar Pokhara Nepaljung Dhangadi and two locations in Kathmandu and will provide opportunities for all persons with disabilities by empowering strengthening and integrating them in using Para Table Tennis as vehicle for a positive social change. The undertaking includes the sensitization of local coaches the improvement of accessibility for players with a disability in local community clubs and the creation of a solid network between Para Table Tennis Clubs and local organizations to develop Para Table Tennis in Nepal and train Role Models.

High ranked guests confirmed their attendance like ITTF President Thomas WEIKERT Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General on Sport for Development and Peace Wilfried LEMKE International Working Group Co-chair of the Sport and Person with Disabilities Young Sam MA and role model Melissa TAPPER Australian player who has become the first ever Australian player to qualify for both the Olympics and Paralympics at Rio 2016.

The event takes place on 6 April 2016 at 11:00 am at NDA Khagendra New Life Jorpati Training Centre Kathmandu Nepal