What does table tennis have in common with video games? At first blush, it may seem an unlikely pairing, perhaps the setup for an uncharitable joke. The answer, as it turns out, is quite serious. Table Tennis England and the British Esports Association have teamed up to fight for mental health. The partnership aims to highlight the positive aspects of both "brain sports." Their joint press release cites a wide array of cognitive benefits, ranging from sharpened reflexes, decreased stress levels and improved socialization. Among the intended beneficiaries are hose living in "deprived areas of England," as well as dementia and Parkinson's patients in the nation's assisted living facilities. England's up-and-coming stars Tom Jarvis (pictured, left) and Sam Walker (right) donned their gaming gear to show their support for the merger. It appears that little, if any, arm-twisting was required. They follow in the noble footsteps of their countryman, Liam Pitchford. England's top player, ranked #15 in the world, Pitchford has made news in recent years by bravely sharing his struggles with anxiety and depression. By showing the strength in vulnerability, Pitchford has help chip away at the insidious stigma surrounding mental health issues. Sara Sutcliffe, the CEO of Table Tennis England, alluded to the particularly brutal toll the COVID-19 pandemic has taken on the world's collective psychiatric state. "The importance of good mental and physical health has arguably never been in sharper focus than now, and the positive effects of both table tennis and esports are there for all to see," said Sutcliffe. "I’m particularly excited by the potential of this partnership to engage people of all ages and encourage them to seek out the benefits of an active lifestyle, both physically and mentally." For his part, British Esports Association CEO Chester King could scarcely contain his enthusiasm for the merger. "We’re delighted to be partnering with a reputable governing body to highlight the positives that both sports and esports promote," gushed King. "We have lots of ideas and hope to get the conversation going around the importance of both physical and mental health. Table tennis is also a sport that’s close to my heart and I look forward to seeing us get involved with some exciting activations." The campaign aims to build a buzz on social media with the participation of esports and table tennis celebrities, waiting for the day when they can safely bring their lightning-fast games to the masses. With personal stress and social tensions at dangerously high levels, the importance of good, old-fashioned fun and games cannot be overstated, especially for those suffering from any sort of mental illness. Here's wishing the novel alliance of table tennis and esports the best of luck in their quest, both for the Britons it will benefit and the creative partnerships it will hopefully inspire around the world.

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