A new national partnership has been launched to help more people living with Parkinson’s across England access the benefits of table tennis, with charities and sporting organisations joining forces to expand inclusive opportunities in communities nationwide.
Parkinson’s UK, Table Tennis England and the newly formed Parkinson’s England Table Tennis (PETT) have announced the collaboration, which aims to make it easier for people with Parkinson’s to take up the sport regardless of their age, ability or previous experience.
PETT has been established to raise awareness of the physical and social benefits of table tennis for people living with the neurological condition. The organisation will provide information on local playing opportunities, support the creation of new groups and help mainstream clubs become more inclusive and Parkinson’s-friendly. It will also work with healthcare providers, local authorities and voluntary organisations to encourage wider participation.
The new organisation is co-chaired by Rob Cook, co-founder of Leeds ParkyPING!, and Sandy Nash, who leads table tennis sessions for people with Parkinson’s in north London and Essex.
Parkinson’s UK has worked with Table Tennis England for several years to improve the delivery of sessions, training and awareness of opportunities for people living with the condition. The addition of PETT is expected to strengthen those efforts and help more communities establish sustainable programmes.
Jed Parsons, Physical Activity Delivery Manager at Parkinson’s UK, said: ‘Physical activity plays such an important role in helping people live well with Parkinson’s and table tennis is a fantastic example of an activity that combines movement, balance, coordination and social connection.’
Chris Brown, Director of Table Tennis Development at Table Tennis England, said: ‘Across England, we have seen first-hand the incredible impact table tennis can have for people living with Parkinson’s.
‘For many participants, it is about much more than sport, it is about staying active, maintaining independence, building friendships and being part of a supportive community.’
Rob Cook, Co-Chair of Parkinson’s England Table Tennis (PETT), said: ‘Supporting individuals and groups is just one side of what PETT aims to do. We want to develop and sustain a climate in which groups and tournaments can flourish, and the benefits of playing table tennis are very widely recognised.
‘We also want to educate and support more healthcare providers, local councils and voluntary organisations, and to encourage table tennis clubs to be Parkinson’s-friendly.’
For more information about PETT, or to join for free, visit the website.
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