Our Mission
Our mission is to create a global sports movement that is inclusive and supportive of people with a Parkinson’s diagnosis. We are the first and only world championship organizers dedicated to raising awareness of the benefits of playing ping pong for the Parkinson’s community.
We want to be recognized by the International Paralympic Committee (IOC). You can help us by making your support count!
We want to be recognized by the International Paralympic Committee (IOC). You can help us by making your support count!
AboutWe are PingPongParkinson, a 501 c3 non-profit organization located at the Westchester Table Tennis Center, 175 Tompkins Avenue, Pleasantville, New York (approximately 35 miles north of New York City). We were established officially on the first of March 2017 with the goal of halting the progression of Parkinson’s Disease by utilizing ping pong as a form of physical therapy. Our model is based on the concept of neuroplasticity – the brain’s capacity to make new neurons and connections through challenging physical exercise. Although medication remains the focus in the treatment for Parkinson’s, there is compelling evidence for the need for a regular exercise program in managing this disease.
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The original idea behind this commitment to help Parkinson patients (“Pongers”) attain an improved quality of life through exercise was inspired by Nenad Bach, a Croatian-American musician and rock star. Nenad had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and noticed that his motor symptoms and mood were improved by playing ping pong. This non-pharmacological approach to his treatment was encouraged by his neurologists who confirmed his improved status. Nenad subsequently recruited several volunteers from the club, including Will Shortz, the crossword editor of the New York Times and the owner of the Westchester Table Tennis Center, Dr. Art Dubow, who together with Nenad created the PPP program; plus Irene Silbert, a PR professional – all working together to establish the PPP group.
The group meets for about 90 minutes every Wednesday at 7:30 PM. The sessions begin with a warm-up consisting of physical exercises designed specifically for those with Parkinson’s Disease. Juggling practice and instruction follows before commencing the table tennis practice or using a ping pong ball. Each “Ponger” is teamed with a volunteer at the tables and play is finally concluded with a video to chronicle each individual’s ping pong skills and progress.
Every three months there is scheduled a special informal dinner event, which can range from a tournament to having speakers give talks on topical subjects relating to PD. We have also established an annual PingPongParkinson World Championship in which we hope to attract players, all whom are people living with Parkinson's (PwP) from the US and internationally. You can find here the most important table tennis rules and their modifications for Ping Pong Parkinson, including wheelchair modifications.
Our goal remains steadfast: To help anyone through ping pong for Parkinson’s Disease (primarily) – and to have fun while doing it.
The group meets for about 90 minutes every Wednesday at 7:30 PM. The sessions begin with a warm-up consisting of physical exercises designed specifically for those with Parkinson’s Disease. Juggling practice and instruction follows before commencing the table tennis practice or using a ping pong ball. Each “Ponger” is teamed with a volunteer at the tables and play is finally concluded with a video to chronicle each individual’s ping pong skills and progress.
Every three months there is scheduled a special informal dinner event, which can range from a tournament to having speakers give talks on topical subjects relating to PD. We have also established an annual PingPongParkinson World Championship in which we hope to attract players, all whom are people living with Parkinson's (PwP) from the US and internationally. You can find here the most important table tennis rules and their modifications for Ping Pong Parkinson, including wheelchair modifications.
Our goal remains steadfast: To help anyone through ping pong for Parkinson’s Disease (primarily) – and to have fun while doing it.
What is Parkinson?
Parkinson is a brain disorder that causes muscle rigidity, slowness of movement, tremors and shaking, loss of balance and speech among others symptoms.
“ Everything slows down and stiffens up with PD, everything that a person does. “ Dr. Elana Clar, Neurologist, New Jersey Brain & Spine.
What is the health benefit of ping pong?
“ Ping pong provides physical exercise, which is one of the most effective ways to improve parkinson symptoms. It is also a brain sport and helps to relieve cognitive symptoms - you have to think on your feet, use visual attention and develop quick reaction time. “ Dr. Elizabeth Kera, Neuropsychologist & Director of Hackensack University Medical Center, Psychology Division.
How can you make your support count? You can set up a PingPongParkinson club in your city or town or you can join our clubs and centers that are located in different cities and countries.
You can also start our PingPongParkinson Sport Therapy program at your local sport center, gym, medical center or community center. Start here to learn how to start your own chapter. If you have any questions, please send us an email at [email protected] and we will get in touch with you!
Parkinson is a brain disorder that causes muscle rigidity, slowness of movement, tremors and shaking, loss of balance and speech among others symptoms.
“ Everything slows down and stiffens up with PD, everything that a person does. “ Dr. Elana Clar, Neurologist, New Jersey Brain & Spine.
What is the health benefit of ping pong?
“ Ping pong provides physical exercise, which is one of the most effective ways to improve parkinson symptoms. It is also a brain sport and helps to relieve cognitive symptoms - you have to think on your feet, use visual attention and develop quick reaction time. “ Dr. Elizabeth Kera, Neuropsychologist & Director of Hackensack University Medical Center, Psychology Division.
How can you make your support count? You can set up a PingPongParkinson club in your city or town or you can join our clubs and centers that are located in different cities and countries.
You can also start our PingPongParkinson Sport Therapy program at your local sport center, gym, medical center or community center. Start here to learn how to start your own chapter. If you have any questions, please send us an email at [email protected] and we will get in touch with you!
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