Table Tennis England and Parkinson’s UK today announce a partnership which aims to create more opportunities for people with Parkinson’s to play the sport.

The formal collaboration between the two organisations builds on a relationship which has grown up over the years as the benefits of playing table tennis for people with Parkinson’s has become clear.

Exercise is recognised as the best and possibly only way of slowing down the symptoms of Parkinson’s. And table tennis is thought to be particularly effective because of its focus on balance, hand-eye co-ordination, reflexes and making split-second decisions and movements.

The key purposes of the partnership are to:

• Develop and promote inclusive and accessible playing opportunities nationwide for people with Parkinson’s
• Increase awareness of the benefits of table tennis for people with Parkinson’s
• Support the training and upskilling of coaches and volunteers to deliver sessions suitable for people with Parkinson’s
• Share learning, data, and insights to strengthen the evidence base for physical activity and Parkinson’s
• Support local clubs to welcome and include 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 a key component of the Ping! For Health project, which was last month selected as one of only six recipients worldwide of one 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.”

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.”

Check out the video below which illustrates how table tennis can help people with Parkinson’s.