Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Maria Christoforaki’s Inspiring Journey: Empowered by #TableTennisUnited Fund

Written by 
Published in Table Tennis
Friday, 23 June 2023 00:39

Maria Christoforaki, a Greek table tennis athlete and coach based in Sweden, faced uncertainty as the COVID-19 pandemic threatened her career. However, her perseverance, coupled with the invaluable support of the #TableTennisUnited Fund by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) group, propelled her forward, leading her to play a pivotal role in Sweden’s inaugural Girl Festival which took place on 21st June 2023.

ITTF and ITTF Foundation President Petra Sörling, who graced the festival with her visit, along with Thomas Buza, head of the SBTF, and Maria, were deeply moved and profoundly inspired by the unwavering dedication displayed by the participants. The festival served as a vibrant testament to the transformative power of table tennis, bringing immense joy and positive change to countless lives.

The #TableTennisUnited Fund, a joint effort by the ITTF Foundation, ITTF, and World Table Tennis, provided crucial financial aid and equipment support to the global table tennis community during the pandemic. Recognised for its outstanding COVID-19 response, the campaign has assisted around 150 initiatives and individuals worldwide.

Expressing her heartfelt gratitude, Maria said, “The help from the ITTF Group was crucial and proved instrumental during these tough times. Losing my job and not being able to play table tennis was disheartening but their support allowed me to fulfil my responsibilities and pursue my passion in a foreign country.”

With the assistance received, Maria not only continued her involvement in table tennis but also became a respected coach and women’s strategist within the Swedish Table Tennis Association (SBTF). Her unwavering dedication and expertise have inspired young players and fostered a community of courage and camaraderie.

Maria’s impactful journey led her to play a key role in organising Sweden’s first Girl Festival held in Halmstad. Building on the city’s previous support during the 2018 World Table Tennis Championships, the fully booked festival brought together over a hundred enthusiastic girls aged between 8 and 90, actively engaging in a range of captivating table tennis activities at the esteemed Halmstad Arena. Under Maria’s guidance, the participants were divided into three groups, each led by passionate mentors. The festival soon became a celebration of diversity and unity, empowering women of all ages, regardless of disabilities, as they discovered the profound impact of collective effort and mutual empowerment.

Maria’s story is a testament to the resilience and empowerment that can be achieved through support and unity in challenging times.

Read more inspiring stories at ITTF Foundation’s website.

Read 227 times

Soccer

Chelsea captain James suffers new injury setback

Chelsea captain James suffers new injury setback

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsReece James has suffered another hamstring injury and will miss Che...

Miami's Gressel: Ties were 'unacceptable' to Messi

Miami's Gressel: Ties were 'unacceptable' to Messi

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMidfielder Julian Gressel said Lionel Messi demanded Inter Miami CF...

From Salah to Sterling, Ian Darke's most impressive and disappointing players

From Salah to Sterling, Ian Darke's most impressive and disappointing players

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsIf the English Premier League ended today, who would be in the runn...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Sources: NBA ASG to have pickup-style format

Sources: NBA ASG to have pickup-style format

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe NBA's new four-team tournament-style format for the 2025 All-St...

Chris Paul, Victor Wembanyama and the duo that could change the NBA

Chris Paul, Victor Wembanyama and the duo that could change the NBA

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsIT WAS THE final minute in the first quarter of Chris Paul's presea...

Baseball

MLB focusing on media rights plan for all teams

MLB focusing on media rights plan for all teams

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- For Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred, the...

Pirates hire former player Hague as hitting coach

Pirates hire former player Hague as hitting coach

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsPITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Pirates have hired Matt Hague as their...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated