Table tennis partnership to get more people active with Parkinson's

A new partnership between Parkinson's UK, Table Tennis England (TTE) and Parkinson's England Table Tennis (PETT) is aiming to get more people with Parkinson's into the sport. 

PETT is a new organisation which aims to raise awareness of the benefits of table tennis for people living with Parkinson’s. 

The organisation provides information about where to play, shares good practice both with people who want to set up new groups, and with mainstream table tennis clubs who are trying to become more inclusive and Parkinson’s friendly. 

PETT will also offer more support for anyone with a connection to Parkinson’s to find their local groups and learn more about the benefits of table tennis. It is co-chaired by Rob Cook, co-founder of Leeds ParkyPING! and Sandy Nash, who coaches sessions for people with Parkinson’s in north London and Essex.

We have a longstanding working relationship with Table Tennis England which has included improving delivery, training and awareness of table tennis opportunities for people living with the condition. 

It is hoped that the new partnership with PETT will give more people with Parkinson's an opportunity to access table tennis, regardless of age or ability. 

Speaking about the launch of the new partnership, Jed Parsons, Physical Activity Delivery Manager at Parkinson's UK, said:

"I'm delighted to see Parkinson's UK partnering with Parkinson's England Table Tennis and continuing our programme of work with Table Tennis England. 

"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. 

"Together, we're creating more opportunities for people to discover the benefits of staying active and ensuring that more communities across England can access inclusive table tennis sessions."    

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. 

"We are proud to be working alongside Parkinson’s UK and Parkinson’s England Table Tennis to help more people discover those benefits and ensure clubs, coaches and volunteers feel confident in welcoming and supporting them."

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 also 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."