Throughout history, humans have traveled around the world to sites with purported healing powers. Many such pilgrimages persist in modern times, from Hindus taking a refreshing dip in the Ganges River to pagans and Christians alike queuing up to drink from the Chalice Well in Glastonbury, England. Now, an unlikely confluence of factors has given rise to a new phenomenon: the ping-pong pilgrim. By way of illustration, meet George Lee of Bend, Oregon. Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease six years ago, Lee learned about the benefits of table tennis through Parkinson's Resources of Oregon. "Parkinson's is a disease that sucks your life, one day at a time," said Lee. "And if you don't get out and get ahead of it with exercise, social connection, and support groups, it can be devastating." Initially seeking the therapeutic benefits of exercise, Lee has also forged strong social bonds at the Bend Table Tennis Club. "I love it so much, that I play as much as I can," said Lee. "So, I'm a full-time member of the club, and I play sometimes five days a week. "It helps decline the isolation and the depression," he continued. "I just love playing ping-pong," As important as table tennis has become in maintaining Lee's health and happiness, it is no surprise that he jumped at the chance to play in the first ITTF Parkinson's World Table Tennis Championships, to be held this October 11-13 in Pleasantville, New York. The tournament is the brainchild of Nenad Bach, the Croatian-born musician and peace activist who founded Ping Pong Parkinson's after his own diagnosis with the disease, and Will Shortz, owner of the Westchester Table Tennis Center where the first-of-its-kind event will be held. "There is a lot of anecdotal evidence that says table tennis is especially good for Parkinson's patients, because it combines the mind and the body, and it's very fast-paced," said Shortz. "We want to spread the word that ping-pong, or table tennis, is great therapy for Parkinson's patients." Indeed, hard science is catching up with the wealth of testimonials from around the world about the miraculous effects of table tennis. Physicians will be on hand at the tournament to help evaluate players for tournament classification, and also to gather information for future studies. Over 70 players have registered for the tournament, making their maiden pilgrimages from 18 different countries, spread over four continents. "I'm just excited to participate in the tournament, so that I can help spread the word that having Parkinson's is not the end," said Lee. Like any true pilgrim, Lee is eager to proselytize. In New York, however, he will be preaching to the converted.

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