Parkinson’s UK and Table Tennis England have announced a partnership to create more chances for people with Parkinson’s to play table tennis.
The formal collaboration builds on a relationship developed over recent years as the benefits of table tennis for people with Parkinson’s have become clearer.
Exercise is recognised as the best and possibly only way of slowing the symptoms of Parkinson’s.
Table tennis may help by training balance, hand-eye co-ordination, reflexes and quick decision-making.
Jed Parsons, physical activity programme manager at Parkinson’s UK, said: “We’re delighted to launch this new partnership with Table Tennis England, and I’m excited about the opportunities it will bring for 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 so many members of our community express their interest in playing table tennis together.
“As a sport, table tennis can be a really inclusive and social way for anyone to get active and I hope that even more people living with Parkinson’s will have the opportunity to get involved across England.”
The partnership aims to expand inclusive table tennis nationwide, raise awareness of its benefits for people with Parkinson’s, upskill coaches and volunteers, strengthen the evidence base, support welcoming local clubs, and collaborate on communications to boost participation.
It will also form a key part of the Ping! For Health project, which was last month selected as one of six recipients worldwide of the ITTF Foundation’s Dream Building Fund Generation 2026 projects.
Jenny Leach, senior programmes and partnership manager at Table Tennis England, said: “We’re thrilled to strengthen our partnership with Parkinson’s UK and create 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 that there is a place for them at the table.
“This collaboration will help us support clubs, volunteers and coaches across the country to deliver sessions that make a real difference.”
