The third edition of the national campaign Sports For Parkinson’s was unveiled earlier this week during a news conference at Giardini Lambrosa.
All national sporting associations and registered clubs are being encouraged to organise sport events in aid of more than 2,000 people living with Parkinson’s (the number is increasing steadily by 1% per month), and to support Step Up For Parkinson’s Voluntary Organisation in its incessant efforts to enhance the quality of their lives.
Adrian Casha, the ambassador of Parkinson’s, said that it is everyone’s right that people like him live a better life.
“I would like to thank all clubs and sporting associations who will be taking part in this initiative,” Casha said.
“I have been living with the Parkinson’s condition for the past six years, but still I have full control of my life. I am a very active person and I always remind myself ‘I have Parkinson’s but Parkinson’s does not have me’.”
Casha said that the slogan Better Life is the theme of a telethon that will be organised by Voluntary Organisation Step Up For Parkinson’s on Saturday, October 26, and will be transmitted on various television stations.
Funds will be collected for Step Up For Parkinson’s voluntary organisation to be able to continue providing free specialised movement classes to people living with Parkinson’s Disease and their caregivers in different localities in Malta, and hopefully soon in Gozo, as well as to support the sustainability of the newly opened Parkinson’s Therapy Centre in Naxxar.
This national campaign aims also to promote social inclusion through the values of sport.
As was the case in the previous two editions, clubs and associations are being invited to participate in this initiative for a noble cause in the hope that this third edition will be the biggest manifestation of solidarity through sports so far.
So far, seven sporting disciplines have reaffirmed their support towards the cause, namely, badminton, darts, football, snooker, squash, table tennis and taekwondo.
Clifton Grima, the Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, spoke about the positive impact sport can have to unite the people and the communities of our country.
“Sport is a very effective tool, particularly when it is used to help others and as an act of solidarity,” Dr Grima said.
“I would like to encourage locals sporting associations, organisations, clubs, and athletes to answer this national call and host activities for a noble cause.”
Dr Adrian Delia, the PN spokesman for Health, had words of praise for both the Maltese Olympic Committee as well as SportMalta who teamed up with the Step Up for Parkinson’s group so that they give maximum support towards the improvement of life to people who live with this neurological condition.
“My appeal goes to the government so that he does not rest only on these noble voluntary initiatives but he makes sure that he gives them the necessary help and fully helps them.”
Matthew Pisani, chairman of SportMalta, expressed his satisfaction that his organisation is again participating in this solidarity sporting campaign so that we reduce the challenges for people who are living with Parkinson’s.
“Sport for Parkinson’s is increasing the knowledge of the importance of sports exercise, not only as a medium of physical activity, but also for improving mental health away from social isolation,” Pisani said.
Kevin Azzopardi, the general secretary of the Maltese Olympic Committee, said that the MOC is very proud to form part of Sport for Parkinson’s as it is seen as an opportunity to do an act of social justice through sport.
“I hope that many sporting organisations wil answer this call and take part in this initiative.”
