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.
BrainSpin Research Project:
Invitation to Participate
BrainSpin is a multi-site, 5 country, prospective research project aimed at revealing why table tennis training is beneficial for the motor, cognitive and social abilities and experiences of people with Parkinson. The project, inspired by PingPongParkinson founder Nenad Bach’s story and the transformative experiences of PingPongParkinson participants, also aims to develop evidence-based protocols for prescribing table tennis sessions for the most beneficial effects on Parkinson symptoms and progression and quality of life. Nations involved in BrainSpin are: Bosnia-Hercegovina, Croatia, Germany, Greece, Italy and Slovenia. Participants will receive free table tennis sessions and personalised measurements of a range of motor and cognitive abilities before and after the intervention.
For general information about the project, please visit the official website: https://www.brainspin.si
If you would like to apply to participate in Croatia, please click here.
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.
Registration has closed. News and updates will be available during and after the championship at pppwc.org
Please send inquiries to: germany2026@pppwc.org
Click below for more information about PingPongParkinson 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.