In the heart of Bratislava’s Rača district, the Table Tennis Hall will once again buzz with excitement on Thursday, October 19th, as it plays host to the XIth edition of “Ping pong without barriers 2023” (PPBB’23). Under the esteemed patronage of the Ambassador of the French Republic to Slovakia, Pascal Le Deunff, this event is more than just a tournament; it’s a celebration of inclusivity, collaboration, and the power of sports to transcend boundaries.
Organized by the Slovak Paralympic Committee (SPV) in collaboration with the French Embassy, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava (STU), the Student Guild of Mechanical Engineers at STU, VŠK Strojár, and the Slovak Table Tennis Association (SSTZ), PPBB’23 marks one of the many preludes to the forthcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games slated to be held in Paris in 2024.
The roots of PPBB date back to 2009 when the inaugural edition took place in the foyer of STU, borne out of a partnership between Slovak para-table tennis players and the British Embassy. Over the years, the tournament has grown in scale and significance, fostering camaraderie among paralympians, engineers, embassy staff, and guests.
Notably, the 2012 edition coincided with Slovakia’s participation in the London Paralympic Games, marking a significant milestone in the tournament’s history. Since then, PPBB has evolved into a platform for cultural exchange and friendship, with each edition leaving an indelible mark on its participants.
The journey continued in 2016 when the Brazilian Embassy in Slovakia joined the initiative, amplifying its reach and impact. Subsequent editions witnessed the fusion of Slovak and French influences, foreshadowing the collaborative spirit that will define the Paris 2024 Games.
Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, PPBB persevered, adapting to the new normal and reaffirming its commitment to unity and resilience. The 2022 edition, held amidst renewed hope, ventured into uncharted territory with its venue in Bratislava’s Rača district, symbolizing a new chapter in the tournament’s legacy.
As we eagerly anticipate the dawn of PPBB’23, let us reflect on the values it embodies – inclusivity, diversity, and the unwavering spirit of competition. In a world often divided by borders, PPBB serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that true strength lies in our ability to come together, regardless of our differences.