IGETCI - Integration of immigrants and gender equality in table tennis through comprehensive inclusion

The aim of the project is to promote the integration of immigrants and gender equality. Young people with immigrant background, especially girls, participate less sports compared to other people. Sport can be the solution of integration for young immigrants. There has also been an increasing debate in society about gender equality, which is not yet sufficiently realized in the context of sport. This project focuses on these two common challenges. The project is coordinated by the Finnish Table Tennis Association. The partners in the project are the Estonian Table Tennis Association and the Finnish Table Tennis Club TIP-70 Vantaa. The project includes two workshops, a girls’ table tennis camp, two webinars, instructions for clubs and communicational activities. Workshop, which includes a low-threshold table tennis camp for girls (ages between 8-15 years old), is organized in Estonia. The camp will be held to enthuse girls to attend the workshops and to create an exciting environment for the girls to create international relationships. The purpose of the workshop is to involve campers in considering how table tennis can be developed specifically from the girls' point of view and how girls can be more involved in table tennis. There will also be a webinar on the subject to discuss girls' table tennis under the guidance of experts. General instructions and practices for clubs and other actors will be produced. Finland has its own workshop, webinar and guidelines for young people (ages between 8-15 years) with an immigrant background. The total duration of the project is 12 months and Erasmus+ Sport funding of 30,000 euros is applied for. The project will gain visibility especially on the parties' social media channels and websites. The project will also compile video material for advertising and marketing purposes. Visibility is also possible through the European Table Tennis Union as well as the International Table Tennis Federation on their own channels.