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Dear <<First Name>>,
On December 3rd, every year, the United Nations commemorates the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Whether you are an experienced organiser or someone looking for an event idea for the 2019 World Table Tennis Day, we encourage you to consider and develop the Inclusion for Persons with Disabilities in your community.
Why to organise an event for People with Disabilities?
Inclusion is the third pillar of World Table Tennis Day. Its goal is to integrate minority groups or people who suffer any type of discrimination regardless whether it is based on, political conflicts, social background, sexual orientation or physical or mental disability.
According to the UN, 10% of the world population lives with a discapacity. In some regions, people with discapacity are outcast and are not allowed to live some fundamental life experience, such as: education, socialisation with peers or even health care.
Hidden behind discrimination is often ignorance. Many just do not know how to include or adapt their environment to integrate people with disabilities. This ignorance leads to lack of empathy and understanding and, as a consequence, they are left out from society. Instead, wouldn't it be easier to ask them how they are and what we could do to level the playing field?
One step in this direction could be, organising an event with them as an opportunity to know each other, find solutions together and promote inclusion.
Before planning the event, we have to consider some important aspects, such as:
Who will attend my event?
We have to know the disabilities of people who will attend, in order to adapt the venue of the event and make them feel welcomed.
What are their needs?
It is important to know if they have special needs or attention to make them feel comfortable.
What kind of activities can be carried out?
To entertain the participants, the following games can be carried out :
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Roller Ball
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Bounce and Catch
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Bounce and Transfer
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Bouncer Challenge
To know more about these and other games, click here
On 2018 World Table Tennis Day, some of the events for people with disabilities were “Światowy Dzień Tenisa Stołowego ZSP Prabuty” in Poland and World Table Tennis Day in Thailand.
The event in Poland organised different activities for conventional players and people with disabilities, but also activities, where they can participate together. Some of the activities were: table tennis knowledge quizzes, activities at the table, painting and motor skill activities.
The event in Bangkok, Thailand, was dedicated especially to children with disabilities, but general public also took part of the activities. They played some games at the table, spend time with other children and adults and there was also a banquet at the end of the event.
 (2018 World Table Tennis Day in Thailand)
These events are positive examples of projects promoting inclusion, because they included creative activities for people with disabilities together with the general public and offer a complete experience for all participants.
On 2019 World Table Tennis Day, everyone should be invited to continue this legacy and make a contribution to live in a more inclusive society.
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