Hugh Hartford's English documentary Ping Pong is aired on the award-winning PBS Series POV (Point of View) on September 9.
In the opening scenes, we meet eight men and women who are preparing to compete in the over-80 division of the World Veterans Table Tennis Championships in Mongolia. Les D'arcy, who is 89, has already won many gold medals; he is a physical fitness buff who lifts weights to keep his body in shape and recites poems to keep his mind sharp. His doubles partner is Terry Donlon who at 81 has cancer and is constantly short of breath. But he is a good trouper willing to participate in one last competition. Swede Rune Forsberg is at 85 determined to beat D'arcy and take home his first gold medal.
Ursula Bihl, 89, lives in Berlin and even though she won the world championship three years ago, only decides to go to Mongolia when Gerhard, her son and coach, pleads with her to make the journey even though she is very frail. Inge Hermann, 89, has regained her physical and mental health (at one time she was living in the dementia ward of a nursing home) to play in her first international competition. Lisa Modlich of Houston is 85 and the dark horse known for her fierce desire to win. Also on hand is Dorothy DeLow of Australia, who at 100, is the oldest player in the World Veterans group. Asked about her hopes, she responds, "I'd be proud just to be standing."
Ping Pong pays tribute to the grit and the courage of these aged table tennis players who are willing to give it all they've got whether their bodies cooperate or not.
Special features on the DVD include the theatrical trailer, extended and deleted scenes, and press appearances.
