Sometimes, when the troubles of the world seem overwhelming, all you can do is go for a bike ride or play some ping-pong. For one European DJ, these therapeutic measures created a philanthropic ripple effect reaching far beyond his personal path. Miha Deželak (pictured, center) is an on-air personality for Radio 1 in Slovenia. Despite working from the relative comfort and isolation of his DJ booth, Deželak has been deeply affected by the harsh realities facing many in his country. "In Slovenia, the situation for socially disadvantaged families is even worse during the pandemic," explained Deželak. "And more so for the kids. Most of these children only have access to hot meals in school. Now that schools and clubs are closed, those kids are left with unsatisfying cold meals and no social contacts with the outside world." Tired of watching families suffer during the COVID-19 pandemic, Deželak decided to do something about it. With support and coverage from Radio 1, Deželak took a 10-day bicycle trip across Slovenia. Along the way he stopped to participate in five sports, turning each publicity stunt into a fundraiser. For the table tennis leg of his pentathlon, Deželak secured pledges for the fund with every win. To ensure success, Deželak had an ace up his sleeve, enlisting the help of Slovenian Olympian Deni Kozul (pictured, left) as his doubles partner. On June 8, the unlikely duo predictably prevailed over the local challengers, raising much-needed funds for families in need. In addition to generous private sponsors, the ITTF Foundation also provided material and logistical support. "Through my journey, I have met a lot of children who deserve a better life," said Deželak. "Table tennis can help improve children’s well-being. In sport, children have good role models who show them that there are no limits in life, only in the mind." Among those good role models are the Slovenian Table Tennis Association, which has offered free play to all children in all affiliated clubs in the month of September. "Table tennis is a great sport for all," said Deželak. "It is for all ages and sizes, as well as people with disabilities. It empowers children and offers them a sense of belonging, where they feel safe, included, and loved." So when the troubles of the world seem too much to bear, remember Freddie Mercury's immortal exhortation: "Get on your bikes and ride!"

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