ITTF Recognized Among Top 100 Global Changemakers in 2025 Sport Positive Awards Shortlist

Sport Positive Awards.">

August 18, 2025

London, United Kingdom – The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has received a prestigious nomination for the 2025 Sport Positive Awards, acknowledging its dedication to environmental duty and sustainable practices within the sport. The recognition underscores a growing trend of sports organizations prioritizing ecological awareness and action.

ITTFS Commitment to Sustainability Earns Recognition

The ITTF is among 100 organizations from across the sporting landscape selected for their impactful contributions to a more sustainable future. this nomination specifically celebrates the ITTF Sustainability Education Platform, a groundbreaking initiative designed to make sustainability principles accessible to everyone involved in Table Tennis. The platform caters to Member Associations, staff, athletes, coaches, and officials alike.

this platform distinguishes itself through interactive, gamified modules that cover a wide range of environmental and social sustainability topics. These modules are closely aligned with the ITTF’s commitments under the Sport for Climate and Sport for Nature Frameworks, reflecting a holistic approach to sustainability. The ITTF’s efforts align with a broader movement within the sports industry; a report by Sport and Dev indicates a 35% increase in sustainability initiatives across major sports organizations in the last year.

Innovative Platform Drives Global engagement

Launched on Earth Day 2025, the ITTF Sustainability education Platform has already seen meaningful engagement, reaching over 200 individuals from 64 countries. Moreover,more than 130 participants have successfully earned certification through the program. The platform’s success is rooted in its user-friendly design, combining scenario-based learning, engaging videos, insightful quizzes, and practical case studies.

The platform’s notable feature is its simplicity, developed using accessible tools while maintaining a professional and impactful learning experience. This makes it a valuable model for other sports organizations seeking cost-effective sustainability education solutions. This approach echoes the findings of a GreenBiz report highlighting the rise of affordable sustainability tools.

Key Metric	Value
Individuals Engaged	200+
Countries Represented	64
Certifications Awarded	130+

Claire Poole, founder of Sport Positive, emphasized the importance of federations taking leading roles in sustainability education and action, praising the ITTF’s commitment as a “forward-thinking approach sport needs” in the face of the escalating climate crisis.

The winners of the Sport Positive Awards will be announced at a ceremony in London on October 7, 2025, alongside the Sport Positive Summit, running October 7-8. This event will gather leaders and innovators in the field of sports sustainability.

Did You Know? Nearly 70% of sports fans believe that sporting organizations have a responsibility to address climate change, according to a recent Nielsen study.

pro Tip: Implementing a sustainability education program can significantly enhance an organization’s reputation and attract environmentally conscious sponsors and partners.

What role do you think other sports federations should play in addressing climate change? How can technology further enhance sustainability initiatives within the sports industry?

The Growing Importance of Sustainability in Sports

Sustainability is no longer a peripheral concern in the world of sports; its becoming a core tenet of responsible governance. Increasingly, fans, sponsors, and athletes are demanding that sports organizations demonstrate a commitment to environmental and social responsibility. This demand is driving innovation in areas such as waste management, energy efficiency, and ethical sourcing.

The ITTF’s approach, focusing on education, is a especially effective strategy for fostering long-term change.By equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools to make sustainable choices, the federation is creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the table tennis table.

Frequently Asked Questions About ITTF Sustainability

• What is the ITTF Sustainability Education Platform? it’s a free online tool developed by the ITTF to educate members on environmental and social sustainability.
• How many people have used the ITTF sustainability platform? Over 200 individuals from 64 countries have engaged with the platform since its launch.
• What frameworks does the ITTF align its sustainability efforts with? The ITTF aligns its efforts with the Sport for Climate and Sport for Nature Frameworks.
• When will the Sport positive Awards winners be announced? The winners will be announced on October 7, 2025, in London.
• Why is sustainability important in sports? Sustainability is vital to the long-term health of the planet and increasingly important to fans, sponsors, and athletes.

Share your thoughts on the ITTF’s sustainability efforts and the broader movement towards a greener sports world in the comments below!

How is the ITTF addressing gender-based violence in sport, as highlighted by their social duty initiatives?

The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has been honored with a place on the shortlist for the 2025 Sport Positive Awards, recognizing the organization as one of the top 100 global changemakers in sport. This prestigious acknowledgment highlights the ITTF’s commitment to sustainability,social impact,and responsible governance within the world of table tennis and the broader sporting landscape. The Sport Positive Awards celebrate positive impact in sport, focusing on environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

Understanding the Sport Positive Awards & ITTF’s Nomination

The Sport Positive Awards are a leading platform for recognizing and celebrating the best examples of sustainability and social impact within the sports industry. being shortlisted amongst a field of global sporting organizations signifies the ITTF’s dedication to progressive change. The nomination specifically acknowledges the ITTF’s multifaceted approach to positive impact, encompassing several key initiatives.

Environmental sustainability: Reducing the carbon footprint of major events,promoting eco-kind practices within national associations,and exploring lasting materials for equipment.

Social responsibility: Expanding access to table tennis for underserved communities, promoting gender equality, and safeguarding athletes.

Good Governance: Implementing obvious and ethical governance structures, ensuring fair play, and fostering a culture of integrity.

key ITTF Initiatives Driving Positive Change

Several specific programs contributed to the ITTF’s recognition. These initiatives demonstrate a tangible commitment to creating a more sustainable and equitable future for table tennis.

sustainable Event Management

The ITTF has made significant strides in reducing the environmental impact of its major tournaments, including the World table Tennis Championships.These efforts include:

1. Carbon Offset Programs: Investing in projects that offset the carbon emissions generated by travel and event operations.
2. Waste Reduction Strategies: Implementing comprehensive waste management plans, prioritizing recycling and composting.
3. Sustainable Sourcing: Utilizing locally sourced and sustainable materials for event infrastructure and merchandise.
4. Digital Ticketing & Reduced Paper Usage: Minimizing paper consumption through digital ticketing and event programs.

Expanding Access & inclusion in Table Tennis

The ITTF is actively working to make table tennis more accessible to people of all backgrounds and abilities. This includes:

Development Programs: Investing in grassroots table tennis programs in developing nations, providing equipment, training, and coaching support.

Para Table Tennis: Promoting and supporting para table tennis, ensuring athletes with disabilities have equal opportunities to compete and excel. The ITTF’s commitment to para table tennis is a cornerstone of its inclusivity efforts.

Community Outreach: Partnering with local organizations to deliver table tennis programs in schools, community centers, and rehabilitation facilities.

Promoting Gender Equality

The ITTF is committed to achieving gender equality in all aspects of table tennis. Key initiatives include:

Increased Female Representation: Actively promoting female leadership within the ITTF and national associations.

Equal Prize Money: Ensuring equal prize money for men and women in ITTF-sanctioned tournaments.

Development of Female Athletes: Investing in programs that support the development of female table tennis players at all levels.

Combating Gender-Based Violence: Implementing policies and programs to prevent and address gender-based violence in sport.

The Impact of Recognition: Benefits for the ITTF & Table Tennis

Being recognized by the Sport Positive Awards offers numerous benefits for the ITTF and the sport of table tennis as a whole.

Enhanced Reputation: The award enhances the ITTF’s reputation as a responsible and sustainable sporting organization.

Increased Visibility: the nomination raises awareness of the ITTF’s positive impact initiatives among a wider audience.

Attracting Sponsors & Partners: The recognition can attract sponsors and partners who share the ITTF’s values.

Inspiring Others: The award serves as an inspiration for other sporting organizations to prioritize sustainability and social responsibility.

Driving Further Innovation: The recognition encourages the ITTF to continue innovating and developing new initiatives to create a positive impact.

Looking Ahead: The ITTF’s Continued commitment to Positive Change

The ITTF’s inclusion on the Sport Positive Awards shortlist is a testament to its ongoing commitment to creating a more sustainable and equitable future for table tennis. The federation plans to build on this momentum by:

Setting Ambitious Sustainability Targets: Establishing clear and measurable sustainability targets for the coming years.

*