The organizers of the recently concluded five-a-side walking football tournament, held at Eagle Club in Surulere, Lagos, have shed light on the event’s purpose of raising awareness for Parkinson’s disease.
They aimed to highlight the challenges faced by individuals living with the disease and showcase medication, exercise, and nutrition as effective tools for managing its symptoms.
The tournament, organized by Parkinson’s Africa and the Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation (ADPF), featured 12 teams. In an exciting final, Dream Boys emerged as champions, defeating Hope Boys to claim the inaugural title.
The competition also saw the participation of teams such as Vitol/NavGas, Sahara (Asharami Synergy Plc), Les Energy Services, Mocoh Oil and Gas, AIICO Multishield, StreSERT, Bring Back Our Language Foundation, Panda Boys, Physio Boys, and Parky Wanderers.
Sponsored by Vitol Foundation and supported by Waka Football Nigeria, the event aimed to raise awareness and understanding of Parkinson’s disease. Mrs. Omotola Thomas, Chairperson of Parkinson’s Africa’s Board of Trustees, emphasized that the football tournament was chosen to show people living with Parkinson’s that they are not alone in their struggle for a better life.
It also aimed to demonstrate to corporate organizations how they can support efforts to empower those affected by the disease in Nigeria and across Africa.
Ms. Tania Park, Executive Director of Parkinson’s Africa, explained that the tournament served as a means to encourage safe and healthy living for individuals with Parkinson’s through simple exercise. The choice of walking football was deliberate, as it offers an enjoyable activity for those with the disease.
Walking football is a non-contact, no-running, and no-tackling sport that has gained popularity in recent years.
Omorinsojo Desalu, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of ADPF, highlighted the changing demographics of Parkinson’s disease, with an increasing number of women and younger individuals being affected. She emphasized the importance of providing care and support for patients, partners, and families to enhance their quality of life through compassion.
The organizers expressed their gratitude to Vitol Foundation and Waka Football Nigeria for their sponsorship, support, and officiating of the tournament. Nike was also commended for providing jerseys, bibs, and raffle gifts for the event. Through their collective efforts, the tournament successfully raised awareness for Parkinson’s disease and promoted the well-being of those living with the condition.
