Our Mission
Our mission is to create a global sports movement that is inclusive and supportive of people with a Parkinson diagnosis. We are the first and only world championship organizers dedicated to raising awareness of the benefits of playing ping pong for the Parkinson community.
Working Towards Our Goals
Our four main goals that work towards our vision are:
We want to be recognized by the International Paralympic Committee (IOC), where people with Parkinson are currently excluded. You can help us by making your support count!
- Help as many people diagnosed with Parkinson as possible through ping pong.
- Animate the scientific community to give our mission a closer look through research and clinical trials.
- Rally efforts to be recognized by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) so that we can begin to participate in the Paralympic games, where we are currently excluded.
- Commit to discovering a cure. #CUREby2027
We want to be recognized by the International Paralympic Committee (IOC), where people with Parkinson are currently excluded. You can help us by making your support count!
About PPP
We are PingPongParkinson, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located at the Westchester Table Tennis Center in 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 (PD) 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, there is compelling evidence for the need for a regular exercise program in managing this disease.
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.
Our goal remains steadfast: To help anyone with a Parkinson Diagnosis through ping pong—and to have fun while doing it.
Our goal remains steadfast: To help anyone with a Parkinson Diagnosis through ping pong—and to have fun while doing it.
What is Parkinson?
Parkinson (PD) 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.
"Everything slows down and stiffens up with PD, everything that a person does." Dr. Elana Clar, Neurologist, New Jersey Brain & Spine.
Why Ping Pong?
Recent international research suggests that table tennis is highly beneficial (physically & mentally) to people with PD. In particular, a focus on balance, hand-eye coordination, quick rhythmic movements and concentration are believed to be beneficial for the brain’s ability to fire up neurons and produce dopamine. Beyond the physiological benefits of the sport, the social benefits have also proven to be significant for players with PD. Social engagement and support are crucial aspects in improving mood and quality of life, and through our program we have seen jumps in both across our community.
"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.
"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.
What does a PPP session look like?
PPP sessions involve welcome activities, warm-ups, a variety of exercises to promote strength and hand-eye coordination, ping pong coaching, ping pong rallying, and singing exercises. Supplemental PPP events and activities include medical lectures from renowned professionals, local and global tournaments, and social gatherings. The program can take place one to three times per week (the more the merrier!)
Every three months we schedule 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, 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.
Every three months we schedule 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, 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.
How can I get involved?
We believe that strength comes in numbers—and we’d love for you to be a part of our journey. Our goal is to reach as many people with PD as possible around the world. We encourage you to start your own local PPP chapter and watch it flourish into a strong community of people looking for new spaces to heal. We get many requests from people looking to attend PingPongParkinson sessions in cities and towns we have not yet reached. With our support, you can make a massive difference in their lives!
Interested in starting your own chapter? Learn how. Once you've gotten familiar with the information we've prepared for you, let's get to know each other! Email us at [email protected] and we’ll schedule an introductory call with you.
Interested in starting your own chapter? Learn how. Once you've gotten familiar with the information we've prepared for you, let's get to know each other! Email us at [email protected] and we’ll schedule an introductory call with you.
Feel free to Contact us!
