While Americans celebrate Cinco de Mayo, a day that no one in Mexico really cares about, a report from farther south in Latin America gives a more relevant reason to revel. As you no doubt immediately mark on every new calendar, April 6th is World Table Tennis Day (WTTD). This year, as in 2020, the customary large social gatherings around established and improvised tables were scrapped out of respect for COVID-19 protocol. Last month, the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) hosted a 24-hour virtual celebration to appease frustrated would-be celebrants. This year's theme was #FEMpowerment, aimed at increasing the participation of women and girls in out sport. In addition to the online meeting of the minds, there was a noteworthy celebration in Buenos Aires, Argentina. There, ITTF partner Omar Bentancor (pictured, emceeing) threw a seriously fun party while still maintaining pandemic protocols. The two-hour event combined various forms of live music, dance, and, of course, table tennis. In order to promote the theme of #FEMpowerment, the centerpiece of the celebration was a "Match of the Generations," bringing girls as young as nine together to play with women as old as 70. "The result of the match was irrelevant," said Bentancor. "We wanted to highlight female participation and that age does not matter." Building on the theme of equity and inclusion, table tennis athletes with disabilities were also celebrated. Candela Basma (pictured) is a veteran player who is only recently confined to a wheelchair. Juan Pablo Castet triumphed at the World Games for People with Down Syndrome. Both athletes inspired the crowd with their stories of perseverance. "Both Juan Pablo Castet and Candela Basma are great role models," said Bentancor. "Their presence not only empowered the audience, it was also a great opportunity for both athletes to gain support and potential sponsorship to continue playing." Bentancor explained that sponsorship was a key to the success of his event, along with the fun, interactive and inspirational activities. As the bespoke theme song for the event advertised, this WTTD party was indeed "Topeando en Vivo" (bumping live), certainly a model for future festivities.

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