ITTF Foundation Celebrates Inclusion and Inspiration at the World Masters Championships Gangneung 2026

Building on the inspiring legacy of the ITTF Foundation Parkinson’s Team initiative launched at the ITTF World Masters Championships in 2024, the ITTF Foundation once again brought two players with Parkinson’s to compete on this world stage. Selected from the participants of the 2025 World Table Tennis for Health Festival, Christine Knapp and Stefan Sigfridsson represented not only the Foundation but also the global Parkinson’s table tennis community at the World Masters Gangneung 2026 in the Republic of Korea.

Their participation highlighted the resilience, determination, and passion that people living with Parkinson’s demonstrate every day, proving that table tennis can empower individuals to remain active, connected, and confident.

The ITTF World Masters Championships Gangneung 2026 concluded on 12 June after an unforgettable week that brought together more than 3,000 players aged 40 and above from around the world. As part of the celebrations marking 100 Years of Table Tennis, the event showcased the sport’s power to unite generations, cultures, and communities through friendship, competition, and shared passion.

Among these thousands of participants were Christine and Stefan, competing alongside able-bodied athletes in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events. Their presence on the courts demonstrated that Parkinson’s does not define a person's limits. Through every match, they inspired fellow competitors and spectators alike with their determination and positive spirit.

Alongside the competition, the ITTF Foundation also hosted an on-site booth throughout the week, engaging with participants and visitors, raising awareness of its programmes, and sharing stories of how table tennis is creating positive social impact around the world.

The Foundation Team and the Players’ Remarkable Journey

Standing for inclusivity, well-being, and equal opportunities in table tennis, Christine and Stefan were selected through a raffle during the 2025 World Table Tennis for Health Festival. They proudly represented the Foundation and the Parkinson’s community on a global stage, serving as ambassadors of hope, courage, and perseverance.

Led and supported by the ITTF Foundation, with generous sponsorship from Swaythling Club International and Li-Ning, as well as donations from supporters around the world, the two players competed in a total of 22 matches across five days of competition.

While the level of play was intense and the challenges significant, both athletes approached every match with determination and enthusiasm. Beyond the results, they achieved something even more meaningful: raising awareness of Parkinson’s, inspiring fellow players, and demonstrating the power of sport to overcome barriers.

Their persistence paid off as both Christine and Stefan secured victories during the tournament, memorable achievements that reflected their hard work, dedication, and fighting spirit.

Reflecting on his experience in Gangneung, Stefan shared:

"I'm very happy to be here and grateful to all the people who have supported me. What I do is important because it shows other people with Parkinson's and people without Parkinson's that they can continue to play, enjoy the sport, and stay active. Table tennis brings joy, and I hope my journey encourages others to keep going."

Christine also reflected on her inspiring week at the Championships:

"I'm very thankful to be here. Thank you to everyone who supported me and donated to make this possible. When I play table tennis, I don't feel my Parkinson's symptoms. I feel free. My message to others living with Parkinson's is simple: don't give up and stay active. Table tennis offers physical benefits, but it also brings people together, builds confidence, and creates friendships. We are a wonderful community, and through table tennis we can continue to enjoy life and support one another."

ITTF Foundation Booth: A Hub of Connection and Inspiration

Amid the excitement of the tournament, the ITTF Foundation booth became a welcoming space for conversation, learning, and connection.

Throughout the week, the Foundation team met and engaged with visitors from across the globe, sharing its mission of improving lives through table tennis and highlighting programmes focused on health, inclusion, education, and social development.

The team had many meaningful conversations with players, coaches, officials, and supporters who expressed interest in the Foundation's work and shared their own experiences of how table tennis has positively impacted their lives and communities.

We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who chose to support our work through donations. Their generosity will help us continue delivering impactful programmes and creating opportunities for underserved communities worldwide through table tennis.

We were also honoured to welcome ITTF & ITTF Foundation President Petra Sörling and representatives of Swaythling Club International to our booth. Their visit provided an opportunity to meet the Foundation team and our Parkinson’s representatives and to offer words of encouragement and support.

Shoutout also to everyone who supported the Foundation team throughout this journey. Your encouragement helped ensure that Christine and Stefan could proudly represent the Parkinson’s community and inspire others on the global stage.

Looking Ahead

The week in Gangneung was filled with joy, inspiration, meaningful connections, and new opportunities. It demonstrated once again the power of table tennis to bring people together, break down barriers, promote health, and create lasting positive impact.

We would like to express our special gratitude to Li-Ning for providing the players' apparel, Swaythling Club International for supporting the players’ journey and to the International Table Tennis Federation, the Korean Table Tennis Association, and the Local Organising Committee for delivering a memorable World Masters Championships and creating a platform where our values of inclusion, health, and social impact could be shared with the global table tennis family.

As preparations continue for the 2026 World Table Tennis for Health Festival in Shanghai, we look forward to creating new legacies, new opportunities for participants, and showcasing even more stories that demonstrate how table tennis can change lives.