A retired primary school teacher from Carinthia conquers Rome: for the first time, a team of two Parkinson’s players will compete at the Table Tennis World Masters. Agnes Jan from Ebenthal is there to raise awareness about this disease.
More than 6,000 players will participate in the ITTF World Masters Championships in Rome from July 6 to 14. The international stage is used to draw attention to the topic of ‘diversity and inclusivity’. Agnes Jan from Ebenthal, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019 after cancer treatment, will also participate in the table tennis competitions.
The disease forced her to give up her job as a primary school teacher. Still, she didn’t let it deter her and followed the doctor’s advice to exercise as much as possible. Jan initially did gymnastics at TTC Gurnitz and last year she started table tennis training. Because sport fits exactly with what Parkinson’s needs: mobility and coordination skills.
The symptoms disappear immediately
From the first training, the Ebenthaler noticed the improvements in her movements. The need for medication was reduced – since then we have been training three times a week for at least two hours. Table tennis quickly became an integral part of Jan’s life. Last year she took part in the Parkinson World Table Tennis Championships in Crete and won two silver medals.
As a representative of the ITTF Foundation, Jan is now preparing for the tournament in Rome. She hopes her story will inspire other Parkinson’s patients to take up exercise and encourage healthcare professionals to recognize the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment. “Together we can champion inclusivity and celebrate the universal language of sport,” said Jan.
More information about Agnes Jan and her path to Rome can be found here.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
