Ping Pong Revives Spirits of Parkinson’s Patients in Belfast

In Belfast, a group of men with Parkinson’s disease is finding joy and camaraderie through the game of ping pong. Kevin Finnigan, diagnosed ten years ago, Chris Mattson, who received his diagnosis in 2018, and David Smith, diagnosed five years ago, have embraced table tennis as a way to cope with their condition. “When I look over and see Kevin playing ping pong, it’s like someone who doesn’t have Parkinson’s,” said Finnigan’s wife, Kate Hanson.

Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder, affects movement and often comes with challenging symptoms such as fatigue and tremors. Mattson expressed the fear he felt upon his diagnosis, saying he was “scared to death.” Smith noted the struggle many face, stating, “It is a struggle for everyone with Parkinson’s to overcome many of the symptoms.”

Ping Pong as Therapy

Research suggests that ping pong can provide significant benefits for individuals with Parkinson’s. “There is lots of information about how beneficial ping pong is for those with Parkinson’s,” Smith remarked. He demonstrated how his hand trembled while holding the paddle but emphasized that when the ball comes his way, his focus sharpens and the tremor subsides. “It’s fascinating!” he added.

The initiative began in 2017 when musician Nenad Bach founded PingPongParkinson®. “What began as a simple game of ping pong soon became a transformative experience,” Bach stated. This sentiment resonates with the group in Belfast, where the sport has become a vital part of their lives.

Paul Naron, who owns the building housing the local farmer’s market, started a ping pong club three years ago after hearing about it from Smith’s son, Andy. “I was so excited about playing ping pong,” Smith recalled. “I wanted to see for myself what it was like to play now that I had Parkinson’s. I even won the first tournament!” His enthusiasm for the game is shared by others who have not played in decades, rekindling memories of their youth.

Naron noted the social aspect of the club, saying, “We all have a great time. It’s a lot of fun and a great way to meet people, but those guys with Parkinson’s, they need to play because it’s been a true benefit.” The importance of staying active cannot be overstated for these individuals, as it helps manage symptoms and maintain a sense of normalcy.

Staying Active and Connected

Mattson, who walked five miles the morning he met with the group, emphasized that Parkinson’s affects individuals differently. He participates in a cardio workout class three days a week that incorporates weights and dance steps, stating, “It’s engaging the brain and it does curb the tremors.”

Finnigan, who just started playing ping pong in October, expressed his enjoyment of the game. “It’s a great experience,” he said, adding with a smile, “I got booted out of playing pickleball out of concern for my safety, but with ping pong, you’re not in danger of falling.” The sense of community among players is palpable, as evidenced by the lively volleys exchanged between Smith and Finnigan.

The connections made through support groups, such as the one Mattson attends in Camden, are equally important. He described it as “an awesome group” that provides essential support for both patients and their caregivers. “We spend a lot of time supporting each other,” he said.

The camaraderie fostered through ping pong has proven invaluable for these men. As they face the daily challenges of Parkinson’s, the game not only offers physical benefits but also a renewed sense of purpose and connection.