The chance to build a powerful impact from the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals London 2026 Presented by ACN was on the agenda as Table Tennis England held a stakeholder engagement day.

Representatives of almost 20 organisations attended the Copper Box Arena to hear more about how major events like London 2026 can give sports like table tennis a greater profile.

Photos by Sam Mellish

Other topics discussed included the physical, mental and social health benefits to participants of taking part in table tennis, the benefits to activators of delivering table tennis activity and the support available to them from Table Tennis England.

Table Tennis England is engaging with a variety of stakeholders to roll the sport out to schools, community and social groups across the country to ensure there is a lasting social impact from the Worlds.

Among a wide-ranging list of organisations represented were: Sport England, Youth Sport Trust, Greenhouse Sports, The Jack Petchey Foundation, Parkinson’s UK, PETT (Parkinson’s), Street Games, GB Deaf Sport, British Cycling, Loughborough University, Ilford Bid, Ilford Exchange, Two Circles, Suffolk Mind and Brent, Newham and Redbridge Councils.

Table Tennis England was represented by CEO Sally Lockyer, Chris Brown (Director of Development), Area Managers Lauren Evans and Amanda Leonard – and there was a visit from event mascot Ping as well.

As well as presentations about the power of table tennis to build communities and create opportunities for people to be active, there were Q&A sessions and breakout groups where delegates could network and share ideas.

They also enjoyed lunch, spent time in the FanZone, and had the chance to watch some of the best players in the world in action as Stage 1b continued on the field of play

Chris Brown said of the day: “It was fantastic to bring together such a diverse group of partners at the World Team Table Tennis Championships, using a global stage to showcase what our sport can really do beyond competition.

“The day highlighted how table tennis, through its simplicity and accessibility, can be a powerful tool for engaging communities and creating opportunities for people to be active.

“What stood out most was the shared energy and ambition to make a difference. By bringing partners together at such an important moment, we’ve opened up new opportunities to collaborate – whether that’s improving health, tackling loneliness or creating positive experiences for young people.

“We’re excited about what comes next and how, together, we can continue to use table tennis to create meaningful social impact and change lives.”