Paul to fly the flag for Shetland at international Parkinson’s table tennis competition
SHETLAND is going to be represented at this year’s Parkinson’s Scottish International Open table tennis championships, in what is a first for the islands.
Paul Bendix, from Vidlin, will be flying the flag for Shetland after taking up the sport last year as one way of helping to manage his Parkinson’s symptoms, and to stay positive.
The 66-year old was diagnosed with the progressive disease a few years ago and has since tried to stay active in a bid to stave off balance problems and stiffness.
Described as “infectiously enthusiastic” by coach Joan Smith, Paul has made great strides into the sport and vows to give it everything he has when competing at the international open in mid-August.
Although there is no cure for Parkinson’s at present, there is treatment available to reduce the main symptoms such as involuntary shaking, slow movement as well as stiff and inflexible muscles.
Playing table tennis meanwhile is widely seen as one of the best ways of managing those symptoms as it stimulates mobility, hand-eye movement, posture and coordination.
Sessions for local Parkinson’s sufferers came about after former table tennis development officer Joan Smith attended one of the local group’s monthly meetings to introduce the idea.
That led to a group of about six Parkinson’s sufferers coming together to play the sport once a month at the Clickimin.
Paul said: “And so it turned out I wasn’t as useless at table tennis as I suspected I was.
“I got a bit enthusiastic about it, met fellow Parkinson sufferers and carers, met Shetland table tennis players, and also started playing regularly on a Friday afternoon.”
And then Joan had an idea.
Taking up the story, she said: “The Parkinson’s monthly table tennis sessions have been incredibly rewarding, not only in helping participants stay active, but also in building confidence, friendships and a supportive community.
“I shared with the group that there was an annual invitation to participate in the Scottish Parkinson’s International Open in Largs on 15 and 16 August with participants from all around the world.
“Paul immediately expressed an interest in participating, sent in his application and was delighted to be accepted.
“Paul’s enthusiasm and progress have been wonderful to see, and we are proud that Paul will be flying the flag for Shetland.”
Paul added: “Joan is pretty confident that no one from Shetland has taken part in this competition.
“No one knows what the standard of ability will be but with the help of Maggie my long-suffering better half, I will give it everything I have. And we’ll see what happens.”
He paid tribute to everybody who has supported him along the way, adding: “I have had some fantastic coaching and now even some sponsorship from Dragon House restaurant.”
Last year the Parkinson’s Scottish International Open was attended by 91 players from home and abroad.
Organisers say they welcome all levels of experience and ability and said that the event is more than just a series of matches but an opportunity to connect and build lasting friendships.
Any Parkinson’s sufferers interested in getting involved with the local group, meet new people and try table tennis are asked to contact Joan via e-mail joansmith6633@gmail.com
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