PingPongParkinson® International
When we play we relieve symptoms and create a hopeful, purposeful global community.
Welcome to our patient-led sports movement
PingPongParkinson is a sports movement in 36 countries, including players with a Parkinson diagnosis, volunteers, family members and many more who support us. PingPongParkinson International stems from the very first chapter established in New York in 2017 by Nenad Bach, singer-songwriter, composer, producer, civil engineer and peace activist. It is a not-for-profit association that brings together partners from around the world to establish PingPongParkinson chapters, where people play and reduce symptoms and find renewed hope, purpose and passion. Our initiatives also foster research, innovation, education and inclusion and promote peace and joy worldwide.
PingPongParkinson Orchestra
The PingPongParkinson Orchestra is inviting applications
People with Parkinson and caregivers are encouraged to apply to join the PingPongParkinson Orchestra by reading the prospectus then completing the application form. Participation in a range of support roles is also warmly welcomed - applications can be made via the form linked below. General queries can be addressed to the PingPongParkinson Music Director via music@pingpongparkinson.org
Please click below to find out more and make an application.
7th PingPongParkinson World Championship!
25 - 30 September 2026
Hanover, Germany
The couch is deep and hard to get out of, but you can put down that remote and reach for a gold medal! Building on our ground-breaking World Championships in 2019 (New York, USA), 2021 (Berlin, Germany), 2022 (Pula, Croatia), 2023 (Wels, Austria), 2024 (Lasko, Slovenia) and 2025 (Lignano-Sabbiadoro, Italy), the 7th PingPongParkinson World Championship will host over 850 players from 38 countries. Supporters are welcome to be close to the action at every table. We play not just to entertain ourselves but to acknowledge and uplift each other and those who cannot play. Participant Prospectus and registration are available via pppwc.org Queries can be addressed to: germany2026@pppwc.org
Pajol Open 2026
26 - 27 August - Rijeka, Croatia
Visit the Pajol Bar overlooking the beautiful Adriatic Sea and watch more than 75 participants play an outdoor, sociable table tennis tournament, traditionally held every August at this picturesque location. The field includes several participants with Parkinson. Competition starts at 5pm on 26th August (postponed from 20 August due to weather).
All proceeds from entry fees will be donated to PingPongParkinson International.
Click below for more information on upcoming tournaments and events
The PingPongParkinson® App has been released!
For the download link and more information about the app click below.
Parkinson is not contagious, but PingPongParkinson is!
There are over 500 PingPongParkinson chapters over 6 continents, offering more than 25,000 life-changing sessions every year. We share open-source guides to starting chapters and leading effective sessions as well as mentoring by experienced volunteers. So, if you want to start a chapter near you, and find information and other people to help get things started, please share your details in the link below or contact info@pingpongparkinson.org
“If you have an idea and a pure heart, you can start, even if you think you are not ready.”
“We have been playing for about a month now, and so far members have reported they sleep better than usual after a session, wake up with less tremor, and notice clearer thinking.”
— Christine Nota, Chapter Leader in Santa Rosa, California
We Build Neurons
Ping pong's unique stimulation of multiple brain and body systems, including balance, coordination, dexterity, rhythm, visual skills and executive thinking skills, promotes physical fitness and neuroplasticity, the brain's capacity to adapt and improve its structure and function. Social support enhances focus and confidence, further supporting brain adaptability. These are some of the ways that regular PingPongParkinson sessions may improve both motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson.
The PingPongParkinson Difference
Ping Pong Sessions
Sessions include welcoming activities, warm-up, activities for strength, flexibility, balance and coordination, coaching, rallying, games and music.
Events and Tournaments
We host community gatherings, guest presentations and tournaments, offering opportunities to learn, play and connect.
Community and Support
Our ping pong program offers a fun, inclusive environment that connects players to a social support network—proven to improve the quality of life of people living with Parkinson.
Support our Mission
Your donation helps fund ping pong sessions for individuals living with Parkinson, expand PingPongParkinson® chapters worldwide and support our efforts to advance clinical research - activities that bring us closer to improving lives through movement and community.