25 Jun 2019

ITTF President Thomas Weikert and CEO Steve Dainton attend the inauguration of the International Olympic Committee’s new headquarters in Lausanne and the 134th IOC session.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially opened Olympic House on Sunday 23 June, marking the 125th anniversary of the IOC in style and empowering all of the sports stakeholders present to keep aiming higher than ever.

Among the 700 guests were ITTF President Thomas Weikert and CEO Steve Dainton, alongside presidents of the other International Sports Federations and National Olympic Committees, IOC Members and more than 30 Olympic medallists.

Taking place between 24-26 June, the 134th IOC session is taking decisions on key policy issues and areas under its authority.

“It was fantastic to be at the IOC session to speak again with so many influential sports stakeholders and continue to ensure that table tennis is well presented in the Olympic movement.” ITTF President Thomas Weikert

“It has been so nice to hear the wonderful feedback from the various stakeholders regarding the entrepreneurial approach that the ITTF is adopting with our new commercial strategy. It was also great to talk to other associations about the challenges and opportunities they also face!” ITTF CEO Steve Dainton

The words of IOC President Thomas Bach were also pertinent in terms of the ITTF’s long-term objective of setting up its own future headquarters as the global ‘Home of Table Tennis.’

“When we set out on this project to construct a new home, we wanted it to be more than just another office building. Of course, we wanted to bring together everyone, the Olympic family and all IOC staff, under one roof.” IOC President Thomas Bach

An inspirational occasion for the world of Olympic sports, the ITTF is as determined as ever to make its own ambitions a reality to ensure an ever brighter future for table tennis.

…as is this Greek olive tree at the foot of the staircase.
This 5-ring staircase is a symbolic feature of Olympic House…
General News