Brisbane is set to serve up another sports extravaganza when it hosts more than 1000 table tennis competitors and spectators from across Australasia during a new Festival of Table Tennis next year.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said this latest drawcard, which runs for 16 days next April, would be an additional shot in the arm for Brisbane’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
“Brisbane just keeps serving up more to see and do for residents and visitors. We are becoming one of the Asia region’s most popular locations for events, conferences and festivals,” Cr Schrinner said.
“The 2020 Festival of Table Tennis will bring national and international championship events together for the first time ever, including an Olympic qualifier, so there are going to be some super stars performing throughout the tournament which will be a big drawcard for spectators.
“Let’s get behind our local table tennis stars and also show your support for the sport’s top talent from the Oceania region to a range of events including an exciting 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games qualifier.”
All events will be held at the Brisbane Table Tennis Club in Windsor.
TTA CEO Scott Houston said the alignment of national and international championships would create a thrilling festival atmosphere.
“TTA is very happy to combine the National Senior and Youth Championships and National Para Championships into one event for the first time,” Mr Houston said.
“The Brisbane Table Tennis Club is the perfect venue choice, especially given a full renovation has just taken place to make the venue fully wheelchair accessible.”
ITTF-Oceania General Manager Barry Griffiths said by combining the events under one Festival, organisers expected greater participation from Australia and Oceania countries and territories.
‘We are excited to showcase the best athletes from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific island countries at the 2020 ITTF-Oceania Championships and 2020 ITTF-Oceania Junior Championships,” Mr Griffiths said.
“The highlight will be the best of the best competing for their dream with singles and mixed doubles spots up for grabs at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.”
The Festival of Table Tennis competitions to be held over the 16 days at the Brisbane Table Tennis Club in Windsor are:
- 10 – 18 April: TTA National Senior & Youth and Para Championships
- 19 & 20 April: ITTF-Oceania Olympic Qualification Tournament for Singles & Mixed Doubles
- 20 – 25 April: ITTF-Oceania Junior Championships
- 21 – 25 April: ITTF-Oceania Senior & Youth Championships
The 2020 Brisbane Festival of Table Tennis will be delivered by partners Table Tennis Australia (TTA), Table Tennis Queensland (TTQ) and the International Table Tennis Federation – Oceania (ITTF-Oceania) with support from economic development board Brisbane Marketing.
Event details will be listed via Table Tennis Australia and International Table Tennis Federation – Oceania websites.
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