Statement on the Termination of Cooperation Talks with the ITTF Foundation
PingPongParkinson (PPP) takes note of the recent decision by the ITTF Foundation to end discussions on possible cooperation, in particular regarding the organization of World Championships. While we respect the internal deliberations and the resulting outcome, we would like to share our perspective on this development and at the same time reaffirm our commitment to using table tennis to improve the quality of life for people with Parkinson's disease.
PPP and the ITTF Foundation had each recently organized their own World Championships in table tennis for people with Parkinson's disease, after a collaboration had failed in previous years. This was due to the fact that the ITTF Foundation had demanded that PPP renounce the rights to call its own tournament the “PingPongParkinson World Championships”.
In recent weeks, PPP has again exchanged ideas with the ITTF Foundation to develop a partnership that would create added social value through the joint use of sport. Our vision was to use a joint World Cup as a basis for our common goal of making table tennis accessible and effective for people with Parkinson's worldwide. In the proposal we submitted, we were guided by the fact that it is particularly important to hold a World Cup that meets the extensive needs of people with Parkinson's disease. This is a goal that we, as a patient organization, are convinced of, better understanding than the ITTF Foundation.
We understand that the ITTF Foundation perceived the proposal as a sponsorship model rather than as a partnership in the sense intended. We respect this assessment, but do not share it. PingPongParkinson is not an organization that relies solely on sponsorship. We are a movement fueled by passion, volunteerism, and a strong belief in the therapeutic power of table tennis.
With several successfully organized World Championships, an active presence in 26 countries and tens of thousands of training sessions per year, we have impressively demonstrated the impact of our work on the Parkinson's community. We owe these successes to a dedicated community of sufferers, relatives and supporters, all of whom pursue the common goal of promoting joie de vivre, exercise and social interaction.
Despite the fact that the ITTF Foundation broke off negotiations without making any proposals of its own, our commitment remains undiminished. We will continue to work worldwide to expand our network, support people with Parkinson's disease and organize events that inspire, connect and motivate.
We remain optimistic that new opportunities for cooperation may arise in the future.
New York / Nordhorn Feb 14, 2025
Nenad Bach (PPP Int. President)
Thorsten Boomhuis (PPP Int. Vice-President)
