The Lebanese Table Tennis Federation (LTTF) successfully hosted the first edition of the World Table Tennis Youth Contender event in November 2022 in Jezzine, South Lebanon. This international competition featured boys and girls in five age categories: U11, U13, U15, U17, and U19. The event aimed to raise Lebanon’s profile in global sports and showcase its potential as a host for high-caliber international tournaments.
Amid Lebanon’s economic crisis, the LTTF set out to reestablish Lebanon on the international sporting map by organizing an event that strictly adhered to World Table Tennis (WTT) standards. Their objective extended beyond hosting a competition; they aimed to highlight Lebanon’s capabilities in organizing world-class sports events, promote youth involvement in table tennis, and gain recognition from the international table tennis community. To ensure every aspect met WTT criteria, the federation enlisted us to oversee event execution, from logistics to media coverage, positioning Lebanon as a competitive sports destination in the global arena.
While Jezzine’s natural beauty, pine forests, and cascades made it an attractive event location, it also posed logistical challenges. With many residents based in Beirut at the time, planning for accommodation, transportation, and catering required precision to manage the influx of attendees. Limited infrastructure posed challenges for organizing a large-scale event, especially in securing accommodations and transporting participants and equipment. Additionally, Jezzine’s relatively remote location and low November occupancy rates presented both a logistical challenge and an opportunity, as the team had to source, negotiate, and coordinate all essential services while ensuring they met WTT’s strict requirements.
To ensure a seamless event, Victoriam conducted thorough pre-event planning, including site visits to assess facilities, accommodations, and suppliers in Jezzine. Leveraging the low occupancy rates, the team secured favorable hotel deals and coordinated extensive on-site logistics, from accommodations to shuttle services. Equipment, including tables, scoreboards, and surrounds, was transported via three trucks from LTTF headquarters, and the lighting in the venue was upgraded to meet WTT standards. A distinctive branding and visual identity were created to elevate the event’s professional appeal, adding to the experience for foreign players. Shuttle services provided reliable transport between hotels and the venue, and a comprehensive media strategy included daily press releases and social media coverage. The event’s opening ceremony featured sponsors, partners, and prominent local VIPs, setting an impressive tone for the competition.
The event welcomed over 200 players from 17 countries worldwide. The quality of the organization was highly praised by the international table tennis federation and the WTT committee, who encouraged the LTTF to consider future editions. Participating countries gave positive feedback, commending the smooth logistics and the event’s overall success. This successful debut has reinforced Lebanon’s reputation on the international sports stage, with the LTTF’s commitment to excellence showcasing its potential for future high-profile tournaments and establishing table tennis as a promising sport for Lebanon’s youth.
