Featured PTT Projects
Smash Down Barriers Program
Table Tennis for NepALL Table Tennis for NepALL is a joint project of the ITTF, UNOSDP and the International Working Group of Sport for the Disabled. It was launched in 2016 with the aim to develop table tennis for people with a disability in Nepal. Besides regular training sessions, the project ensures the long-term sustainability of the project. A special focus was given to the reconstruction and adaptation of Table Tennis Centres to the needs of people with a disability, especially those affected by the earthquake of 2015. More than two hundred disabled players receive weekly training sessions. The ITTF together with its 6 continental members funded the reconstruction of the table tennis centre damaged by the earthquake, with its inauguration carried out on the April 6 as the official launch of World Table Tennis Day. See Video:
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“Smash Down Barriers” is a sport-for-development program supported by the Australian Government, Table Tennis Australia and ITTF-Oceania. Its objectives are to improve the lives of people with disability by: 1. Increasing levels of physical activity. 2. Providing leadership opportunities. 3. Promoting social inclusion. 2016 was a very successful year for the program. 5 countries joined the program, which currently operates in Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu in the Pacific Region, and Indonesia and Thailand in South East Asia. 2755 people with disabilities participated in table tennis activities and 41% of them were female. The impact of the program is far more significant than simple statistics as illustrated by the story of Kope Taberanibou. Kope acquired his disability in 2009 when he was injured during Hurricane Thomas. Kope was depressed and afraid, because people with disabilities are often a source of shame and they’re discriminated as a result. 6 years later Kope was introduced to the Smash Down Barriers program and immediately fell in love with table tennis.
disabilities. It’s the first time in 7 years that Kope has a steady job and he’s once again able to provide for his family. Kope’s story is remarkable, but it’s not unique. There are thousands of people with disabilities who are discriminated or neglected simply because they have a disability. In 2017 the Smash Down Barriers program will continue to provide opportunities, change attitudes and improve lives of people with disabilities.
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Through hard work and dedication, Kope became one of the best para players in Oceania. More importantly, his health improved, his self-confidence increased and his sense of self-worth returned. Today, Kope is employed as a development officer and he coaches children, with and without
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See Video: Smash Down Barriers
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RECONSTRUCTION WORK - Goodwill Fund 2016 - Nepal - Table Tennis for NepALL
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ITTF President Thomas WEIKERT at the inauguration of the renovated Para Table Tennis Centre in Kathmandu.
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Bronze Medalist Yuttajak GLINBANCHEUN (THA) teaching the next generation the basics of table tennis.
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Para players from Thailand and Australia visited a special school for children with cerebral palsy in Bangkok in October 2016.
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Francis RURU (left) and Randy SAM (right) taking part in the Smash Down Barriers program in Vanuatu
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