PingPongParkinson® was founded by Nenad Bach, a celebrated singer, songwriter, composer, producer, and peace activist, whose journey with Parkinson inspired a movement. In 2010, Nenad first noticed a tremor in his right hand, and just one year later, he received the diagnosis: Parkinson. Though the news was difficult, Nenad accepted his condition and chose to live with it. In 2016, he stopped performing in public, but his spirit remained undeterred. While he would have preferred to not have Parkinson, Nenad found that there was a certain beauty in embracing the slowness that came with the disease.

His journey took a pivotal turn when his friend Bob introduced him to the Westchester Table Tennis Center. What began as a simple game of ping pong soon became a transformative experience. Nenad began playing regularly, and to his surprise, he felt significant improvements. The next day, he moved better and felt more energetic. As he continued to play three times a week, he noticed even greater physical and mental improvements. Within six months, he felt 50% better, not only in his body but in his mind as well. Everything was better than it used to be. Nenad was able to perform live again.

Driven by his own positive experience, Nenad was determined to share the benefits of ping pong with others. He knew that, while exercise is essential for managing Parkinson, it can often feel boring. Ping pong is fun. Inspired by his personal transformation, Nenad created PingPongParkinson®, a community where people living with Parkinson can come together to play, connect, and support one another.

At PingPongParkinson®, we are committed to helping individuals diagnosed with Parkinson live better, more fulfilling lives through the power of ping pong. While we have not conquered Parkinson, we have conquered the fear of it. It is this mindset that we aim to inspire in others.