Other Events | 15 Feb 2019

Bidding is open for cities to host the ITTF's Headquarters, Training Centre and High Performance & Development base

The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) is receiving bids from cities keen to grasp this unique opportunity to become the global 'Home of Table Tennis' including the ITTF's future Headquarters, Training Centre and High Performance & Development base.

 

The ITTF's current Headquarters are situated in Lausanne, Switzerland, while the ITTF Asia-Pacific Office is based in Singapore, accounting for 50% of the ITTF's 50 professional staff at present. However, with the total number of staff members set to increase by 50% over the next few years, the ITTF is on the lookout for a brand new 'Home of Table Tennis' to drive the exponential growth of a sport in ever-increasing demand.

 

Upwards of half a billion people are playing Table Tennis around the world and the ITTF runs 120 international events, which are viewed live on TV in over 120 countries and by over 500 million people.

 

Aggressive growth over the last 10 years in terms of commercial value, global participation and world-class events has positioned the ITTF among the most dynamic sporting organisations on the planet.

 

Armed with a clear vision through its new Strategic Plan, and with the ITTF holding all of its commercial rights in its own hands heading into the next rights cycle in 2021, there has never been a more exciting time to invest in the sport and host the 'Home of Table Tennis.'

 

The benefits for the successful host city are plentiful and, most importantly, wholly sustainable, beyond the global prestige, millions of dollars added to the city/country's economy and raised potential to host major sport events showcasing internationally renowned professional athletes.

 

That is because the ITTF is not simply looking for a new global Headquarters to house its ever-increasing professional staff, but also an international Training Centre for its ambitious High Performance & Development projects.

 

In short, you will be helping to create and nurture the Table Tennis stars of the future, while there will also be immediate pathways for local Table Tennis talent to train with the best coaches and players in the world, just as local professional talent will have opportunities to join on board as ITTF staff members and contribute directly to the sport's continued global growth.

 

"Whilst this is an objective for beyond 2019, the ITTF is already planning ahead to set up a true 'Home of Table Tennis.' All cities submitting bids will realise the exceptional opportunities available to them, not least raising their global profile and significant economic investments into their local communities.

 

"This won't just be an office, but also a permanent base for our High Performance & Development strategy and state-of-the-art training facilities. The ultimate goal would be to have a mini museum, TTX tables and a retail store too. We want people to stop by and enjoy a game of Table Tennis as well.

 

"Hopefully this is the place that can help create the next stars of our sport. After all, we need to be nurturing a new generation of talent from different parts of the world to ensure an exciting future for Table Tennis and one which will attract more and more spectators and supporters from across the globe. The new 'Home of Table Tennis' will go a long way to helping us achieve our long-term ambitions," said Steve Dainton, ITTF CEO.

 

The ITTF 'Home of Table Tennis' should be located within an international city and provide opportunities for the office to expand over time, with a minimum office space of 1000sqm preferably developed specifically for the ITTF on vacant land.

 

Close proximity to an International Airport is also necessary given the ITTF's global footprint, with professional staff, international partners and clients active in all corners of the world.

 

With more than 30 nationalities represented currently among the ITTF's workforce, it is also essential that visa support is provided to assist in ensuring that staff from various countries are able to live and work within the country of the new 'Home of Table Tennis.'

 

Bidding Process

• Expression of Interest – 15th April 2019
• Concept and Plan Submission – 31st August 2019
• Evaluation Period – 1st September-31st December 2019
• Decision Announcement

Are you the perfect match for us? Click here to find out more about this unique opportunity and enter your bid!