Tom Ingleton
Broadmeadows Aquatic and Leisure Centre will turn into a field of inspiration this Friday as World Parkinson’s Day is marked with a first-of-its-kind walking football tournament–a day where fitness, community spirit and fundraising collide.
Hosted by Walking Football 4 Health, the event will bring together teams from across Melbourne and regional Victoria, with categories for men, mixed gender and, for the first time in any Australian walking football competition, a dedicated disability category.
“This is the first time anywhere in Australia for a walking football tournament there’s been a separate category for people with disabilities,” Walking Football 4 Health president Michael Trim said.
“We want to raise awareness for walking football in general. We hope that being in Hume we can start programs up here too.”
For Mr Trim, the day holds a personal resonance.
“My father-in-law has Parkinson’s and I know other people who are affected by it, so to be able to raise awareness of the disease and try to raise some funds to help, it means a lot.”
The event will support Shake It Up Australia, a not-for-profit organisation, funding cutting-edge Parkinson’s research.
“They raise funds for Parkinson’s research, so to be able to raise money for them and highlight what they do is a great thing, and goes in line with what we are trying to do,” Mr Trim said.
Locals are encouraged to get involved.
“Come down and enjoy the day even if you’ve never played before, we can put you in a team,” Mr Trim added.
Former Socceroo Paul Wade will be attending the event.
