The ITTF Foundation is proud to support two players with Parkinson’s disease as they prepare to compete at the ITTF World Masters Championships Rome 2024, which kicks off tomorrow.
Agnes Jan and Steve Morley, both of whom have harnessed the power of table tennis to combat the symptoms of Parkinson’s, will be participating in this prestigious event. Their participation exemplifies the resilience and determination required to overcome health challenges, highlighting the sport’s potential to break barriers and inspire those facing similar difficulties.
Steve Morley from Scotland, diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2018, found a renewed passion for table tennis in 2021 after a 40-year hiatus. Playing five days a week, Steve has significantly improved his physical well-being and built valuable social connections through the sport.
Agnes Jan from Austria was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2019. Since joining her husband’s table tennis club in January 2023, Agnes has experienced immediate improvements in her movement and a reduced need for medication. Despite battling cancer and enduring persistent pain, Agnes’ commitment to table tennis has opened new horizons, enabling her to manage her condition more effectively.
This year marks the first time that players with Parkinson’s disease will compete at an ITTF World Masters Championships. This initiative continues the legacy of the 2023 World Table Tennis for Health Festival, showcasing the numerous health benefits of regular table tennis practice.
The ITTF Foundation’s support for these athletes aligns with its goals of promoting diversity and inclusion within the global table tennis community. This initiative also advances the ITTF Group’s focus for 2024 and 2025 and contributes to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal 3, particularly Target 3.4, which emphasizes good health and well-being. We encourage everyone to support this noble cause and help drive positive social change through table tennis by donating to Agnes Jan and Steve Morley on their journey to the World Masters in Rome.
To support Agnes Jan and Steve Morley and learn more about how table tennis can improve the lives of people living with neurodegenerative diseases, visit ITTF Foundation’s website here.
With over 6,000 participants from July 7 to 14, the ITTF World Masters Championships Rome 2024 is set to become the largest table tennis gathering to date. The event will feature 11 age categories, with titles contested in men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Additionally, para table tennis will be included for the first time. Learn more about the event here and follow the action live on ITTF’s YouTube channel.
