by Jia Li, ITTF Foundation Communication Coordinator.
The World Parkinson’s Table Tennis Championships is an annual celebration of the social and physical benefits of playing table tennis for people with Parkinson’s. The participants are not only the advocates of the health benefits of the sport, but they are also the inspiration that will lead to positive changes for others who live with the disease.
This is the first feature in a three-part series, where we look at some of those aiming to shine in Berlin this year.
Karin Lumey
“Winning is irrelevant for me, I participate because I like to play with others. Meeting others and being part of the journey is what I am here for.”
Karin Lumey’s Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2013 wouldn’t hold her back from living the life she wanted; Lumey was busy with her company and feeling fine. She saw the movie A Late Quartet, a film that follows the world-renowned Fugue String Quartet after its cellist was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and felt inspired by the story.
“I started exercising to keep my muscles flexible. I feel good starting my day doing sports. Every morning at 08:30 I would either, run, cycle, swim, do Yoga or play table tennis. I like learning new things and making different moves. This trains my brain and keeps the mind fit.”
Upbeat and always up for the fun stuff, Lumey shared her plan for this September with great excitement.
“I start the month by playing table tennis with some amazing people, and will join the bicycle tour for the Parkinson’s patients and cycle back to the Netherlands once my involvement is over. My level of table tennis is zero so I cannot be too optimistic about winning. I will enjoy the process though!”
Frank Bernhard Gebhardt
“A life without table tennis would be very bad. When I start playing, I notice how my hands become steadier.”
51-year-old Frank Bernhard Gebhardt life changed when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2008.
“I used to cycle marathons but now I can barely ride a racing bike. I would use Parkinson’s as an excuse for everything. I was terrified that my life would end soon and was worried about my quality of life.”
Gebhardt’s journey took a sharp turn when he saw the good and new things the disease has brought him.
“I have learnt to live more consciously. I invest time in things I enjoy and I’m open to new opportunities. I started to live again and have bought a Ford Mustang with 309 horsepower. I have been travelling with it a lot since and I had only driven a 60-horsepower car before!”
Now the proud owner of his own business where he sells homemade upcycled products, however, table tennis also plays a big role in Gebhardt’s life. He joined a club two years ago and has invested in a top-notch table tennis table and a ball-throwing robot. With his Parkinson’s support group, Gebhardt finds time between his table tennis training and Ford Mustang adventures for trampolining.
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