By Pei-Ching Ko | Communications Coordinator
To see the full article with pictures check out our website: https://ittffoundation.org/news/details/resilience-friendship-and-table-tennis-2025-world-table-tennis-for-health-shines-in-helsingborg
The largest and most dynamic edition of the World Table Tennis for Health Festival to date has come to a resounding close in Helsingborg, Sweden. Held from 26–30 November, the 3rd edition of the event welcomed a record 195 players with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s from 23 countries and territories. Drawing on the learning and experience from the first two editions, the Festival reached a new level of maturity that embraced friendship, joy, hope, and resilience at every turn. This year’s success reflects the strength and unity of the global Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and table tennis communities.
Building momentum: Parkinson’s Showcase Event
The Festival followed the energy created by the first-ever Parkinson’s Showcase Event, held alongside the ITTF European Para Championships at the same venue.
The Showcase brought together eight players with Parkinson’s for Men’s and Women’s Singles matches, illustrating the power of table tennis in strengthening health, confidence, and social connection. (Click here to view the results)
Championships: Four days of thrilling action
After the technical meetings and a warm opening ceremony, the World Parkinson’s Table Tennis Championships and the World Alzheimer’s Table Tennis Championships began on 27 November. The competitions once again featured Men’s and Women’s Doubles and Singles, as well as Mixed Doubles across three class levels in the Parkinson’s Championships, while the Alzheimer’s Championships welcomed Men’s and Women’s Singles.
This year, the level of play reached new heights. Participants arrived prepared, delivering their best to show remarkable athleticism. Both returning players and first-time participants brought passion to the tables while also demonstrating camaraderie, celebrating together regardless of the outcome.
Health Congress: A Hub of insight and inspiration
Serving as a scientific platform to the Festival, the two-day Congress on 28–29 November took place each day after matches in Helsingborg Arena and online.
Opening the event, ITTF and ITTF Foundation President Petra Sörling remarked, “The Congress brings together researchers, health professionals, coaches, programme leaders, and partners who all share one belief: table tennis can change lives. It is a space where research meets practice and new collaborations begin.”
Designed to strengthen the health impact of table tennis interventions, the Congress gathered insights and recommendations from Swedish, European, and international experts, sparking new discussions that advance global health.
The sessions witnessed compelling knowledge, active exchanges, and inspiring first-hand stories.
A special highlight included the short screening and story sharing of Ping Parkinson, the documentary filmed by Charles Lavilanie and partially funded by France Parkinson, which follows the journeys of three French players preparing for and competing at the 2024 Festival.
In recognition of their contribution to a legacy for the Festival, on behalf of the ITTF Foundation, our Ambassador Zoran Primorac presented a plaque of appreciation to the featured players, celebrating their role in raising awareness of table tennis as a tool for health. (Click here to watch the full movie)
The Congress presentations and recordings are available here.
Warm-ups, dances, and shared joy
Every day, festive energy filled the venue. Before each match session, our two dedicated volunteers, Anghelys and Francia, led uplifting warm-up routines and dances. Players, coaches, staff, officials, families, and friends all joined in, moving, laughing, and embracing the celebratory spirit that makes the Festival so unique.
Side activities that enriched the experience
A variety of activities complemented the event and strengthened the Festival’s health-focused mission. Each day, Alzheimer Leon, one of the SWAN project partners, hosted engaging mini-exercises and table tennis–inspired games that supported motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive stimulation. These activities were enjoyed by the participants.
Virtual reality table tennis also made a popular return, allowing participants of all ages and abilities to experience the sport without spatial limitations. The VR station energised the halls and added a fun, interactive element to the week.
To deepen connection and inspire participants, our Ambassador Zoran Primorac also joined players on the final day for friendly rallies, offering guidance and tips both on and off the table. Playing face-to-face with the 7-time Olympian and current ETTU Vice President created unforgettable memories and boosted the confidence of many who took part.
Legacy Programme: Giving back to the community
A special legacy ceremony honoured the organisations and groups helping extend the Festival’s impact beyond Helsingborg. In collaboration with the Swedish Table Tennis Association, the ITTF Foundation supported several Swedish schools, clubs, Parkinson’s groups, and rehabilitation facilities, ensuring continued access to table tennis as a tool for development.
Among the beneficiaries were Ortvikens table tennis club, Parkinson Skaraborg, Allerum table tennis club, Allerum school, and Tågaborg school. Each received professional-quality tables used during the Festival, helping alleviate equipment shortages and enabling more people to participate in regular physical activity.
Closing and celebrating
Following the breathtaking finals, the award and closing ceremony gathered everyone for an emotional celebration. The atmosphere was warm and full of pride. Medallists were honoured for their achievements, while all participants were recognised for their resilience, courage, and unwavering spirit. The ceremony captured the essence of unity and inclusivity that defines the Festival.
To extend the Festival’s impact worldwide, a special raffle selected two players with Parkinson’s—one man and one woman—who will represent the ITTF Foundation at the ITTF World Masters Championships 2026 in Gangneung, Republic of Korea.
Additionally, two more participants were chosen to receive Foundation support to attend the World Parkinson Congress 2026 in Phoenix, USA. Their journeys will help carry the Festival’s legacy into new global arenas, strengthening the movement for health and inclusion.
At the end of the ceremony came the surprise announcement that Shanghai, China, will host the 2026 World Table Tennis for Health Festival.
The Swedish Local Organising Committee officially passed the Festival flag to Hua Yuan, Director of the National Fitness Department of the Chinese Table Tennis Association, symbolising the beginning of preparations for the next edition. (Click here to watch the 2026 host city welcome video)
Looking ahead
As we look toward the 2026 Festival in China, we extend our deep gratitude to Ultimate Table Tennis, whose unwavering support once again made this year’s event possible. We sincerely thank our equipment sponsors—TIBHAR for flooring, Double Fish for tables, and OWNWIN for balls—for elevating the tournament to a professional, international standard. Our appreciation also goes to the Swedish Table Tennis Association, as well as all umpires, referees, volunteers, and members of the Local Organising Committee, whose hard work and dedication shaped this year’s success.
We warmly acknowledge the support of Swaythling Club International for the Congress and thank every speaker and presenter for enriching the programme with their expertise. Our gratitude also goes to Helsingborg Arena for providing excellent facilities and an enjoyable environment for all participants and spectators, and to the City of Helsingborg for their solid support. A special thank you also goes to everyone who visited the ITTF Foundation booth and shared valuable feedback to help us continue improving and growing the Festival.
Above all, we extend our deepest respect and gratitude to the participants who overcame physical, financial, and geographical challenges to join us. You are the heart and inspiration of this Festival. Your resilience brings this event to life, year after year.
The ITTF Foundation remains committed to carrying forward everything that worked well this year and improving everything that can be strengthened for future editions. Thank you to everyone who made this unforgettable week a remarkable success.
We look forward to seeing you in Shanghai, China, for the 2026 World Table Tennis for Health Festival, where we will once again celebrate resilience, friendship, and the boundless joy of table tennis.
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