TMS, the ITTF’s marketing partner, is the new title sponsor for NCTTA divisional, regional and national championship tournaments in 2014

The International Table Tennis Federation is the governing body for table tennis around the world, and has organized the World Table Tennis Championships as well as many other competitions since 1926.

It's a big job for the prominent Switzerland-based organization. NCTTA leaders are delighted to welcome TMS, the ITTF's exclusive marketing partner, as the new title sponsor for our 2014 collegiate championship games in Monroeville, Pennsylvania in early April.

In addition, TMS will be the title sponsor for the NCTTA's divisional and regional tournaments as 2014 begins.

"This is a big step for the NCTTA and the entire table tennis community," said NCTTA President Willy Leparulo. "We are thrilled to be linked to such an outstanding organization."

Since the first world championships began in December 1926 in London, England, the ITTF has played a major role in the table tennis universe, Leparulo said.

In addition to staging major competitions such as the World Championships, World Cup and ITTF World Tour, the ITTF also instigates sport development around the world, oversees rules and officials, and manages an extensive educational program. From operating the ITTF Museum to ranking the top table tennis players around the globe, the ITTF sets the gold standard for table tennis competition around the planet, NCTTA leaders say.

At NCTTA headquarters we rank the ITTF and its marketing partner, TMS, at the very top as our Olympic sport grows from China to Europe and North America.

The NCTTA oversees more than 150 college table tennis teams playing in divisional and regional tournaments during the fall and spring. The action concludes with the April 4-6 2014 championships in Monroeville, USA. The bustling retail community is located just a few miles from Pittsburgh.

Butterfly serves as the official table and equipment sponsor for the NCTTA and its championship games. Newgy Industries of Gallatin, Tennessee, the producer of table tennis robots and other equipment, is also a major sponsor.

Adding ITTF's marketing partner, TMS, is a great fit for the NCTTA in the new year. "We applaud the addition of a terrific sponsor and look forward to their help to promote table tennis for talented collegians across the USA and Canada," said Andy Kanengiser, the NCTTA's media relations chairman. "We're sure this will be a wonderful relationship for 2014 and years to come."

Details of the new sponsorship were worked out between NCTTA officials and TMS in late December.

About NCTTA

The National Collegiate Table Tennis Association (NCTTA) is a non-profit organization established exclusively for promoting the sport of table tennis at the college level. As the national governing body for college table tennis in the United States and Canada, NCTTA organizes intercollegiate competition throughout North America. www.nctta.org

About TMS

TMS International is a sports marketing agency with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) as its primary client. TMS International is based and registered in Canada, but has offices in North America, Europe and Asia. www.tmsin.com