Table Tennis England and Parkinson’s UK today announce a partnership that aims to create more opportunities for people with Parkinson’s to play the sport.
The formal partnership between the two organizations builds on a relationship that has grown over the years as the benefits of table tennis for people with Parkinson’s have become apparent.
Exercise is recognized as the best and possibly only way to slow the symptoms of Parkinson’s. And table tennis is considered particularly effective because of its focus on balance, hand-eye coordination, reflexes and split-second decision-making and movement.
The main objectives of the partnership are:
- Develop and promote inclusive and accessible play opportunities for people with Parkinson’s nationally
- Increase awareness of the benefits of table tennis for people with Parkinson’s
- Support the training and further education of coaches and volunteers to deliver sessions suitable for people with Parkinson’s
- Share knowledge, data and insights to strengthen the evidence base for physical activity and Parkinson’s
- Support local clubs to welcome and involve people affected by Parkinson’s
- Collaborate on communications and campaigns to celebrate success stories and increase participation
The partnership with Parkinson’s UK will also be an important part of the Ping! For Health project, which was selected last month as one of only six recipients worldwide of one of the ITTF Foundation’s Dream Building Fund Generation 2026 projects
Jenny Leach, Senior Programs and Partnership Manager at Table Tennis England said: “We are delighted to be strengthening our partnership with Parkinson’s UK and creating even more welcoming opportunities for people with Parkinson’s to enjoy our sport.
“We know how powerful table tennis can be in supporting movement, confidence and connection, and we want everyone to feel like there is a place for them at the table.
“This partnership will help us support clubs, volunteers and coaches across the country to deliver sessions that make a real difference.”
Jed Parsons, Physical Activity Program Manager at Parkinson’s UK, said: “We are delighted to launch this new partnership with Table Tennis England, and I am excited about the opportunities this will bring to our community, both now and in the future.
“We know that being active can be one of the best ways to live well with Parkinson’s and many members of our community are showing their interest in playing table tennis together.
“As a sport, table tennis can be a really inclusive and social way for everyone to get active and I hope even more people with Parkinson’s will have the opportunity to get involved across England.”
Watch the video below which illustrates how table tennis can help people with Parkinson’s.
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