The 8th Parkinson’s ‘Olympics’ targets key exercise habits

Health & Fitness

Author: Leszek DobrowolskiPublished: 20 August 2015

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Parkinsoniada

Parkinsoniada sports games saw hundreds of people with Parkinson’s pick up the baton and get exercising, reports Leszek Dobrowolski, president of Warsaw Regional Association of People with Parkinson’s Disease

The eighth edition of Parkinsoniada took place in Czech Republic from 31 July to 2 August and attracted around 250 people with Parkinson’s – along with some affected by multiple sclerosis – ­to take part in the sports games. 

Male and female players from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria and Poland competed across 10 events, including table tennis, throwing, shots on goal (hockey or soccer), curling and bowling. Age is no obstacle at Parkinsoniada; one of the oldest participants was a Slovak man (87) and a Czech woman (80). In contrast, the youngest were in their 40s.

Warm up

The opening ceremony began on the Friday in the main square in Hodonin, a town located very close to Brno, with speeches from Parkinsoniada founder, Jan Škrkal, and the mayor of Hodonin, Milana Grauové.

Let the games begin!

Parkinsoniada consists of 10 events:

  • table tennis
  • throw in the basket
  • shot on goal with soccer ball
  • shot on goal with hockey stick
  • petang (pétanque- boccia)
  • darts
  • curling
  • bowling
  • shooting with digital shooting gun
  • shooting with blowpipe

Although I’ve attended Parkinsoniada before, the joy and energy that the patients – often despite severe disability – put into the competition made a great impression again. Their motivation to give their all from start to finish, trying to understand others despite the language barriers, while encouraging and comforting each other was lovely to see. Interestingly, those who looked less affected and more fit outwardly weren’t always the most successful. As usually the games were well organised, with the help of volunteers, and it culminated in the medal ceremony.

­Everyone’s a winner

The greatest admiration is reserved for the perserance of all the participants in overcoming their condition. Particularly impressive was the fact that they attented this whole day event in the hot summer heat, and after a long time spent travelling the day before to reach Hodonin.

Warm down

In between the events, there was always time for entertainment in the form of concerts by a female folk choir from Dubňany and the men’s choir from Dúbrava, of course, accompanied by dancing. The breaks are also an opportunity to meet and make contacts with patients, carers from other countries.

Every games is supported by an exhibition to raise awareness of the disease. This year it told the individual stories of those diagnosed at a young age.

About Parkinsoniada

This international meeting of people with Parkinson’s disease was founded by Jan Škrkal, president of Parkinson Slovácko o.s., who has lived with Parkinson’s for more than 10 years. The event’s principle aim is to support the will to overcome obstacles, to restore confidence in one’s own abilities and to develop the habit of regular exercise.

Leszek Dobrowolski is president of the Warsaw Regional Association of People with Parkinson’s Disease.

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