A Celebration of Hope and Community
The third edition of the Walking Football for Parkinson’s Disease Tournament is set to take place on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Eagle Club, located at 96 Adeniran Ogunsanya Street, Surulere, Lagos. This event aims to bring together hundreds of participants to promote awareness and advocacy through the power of sport.
The tournament will start at 9:00 a.m. at the Eagle Club, Surulere, Lagos, and the organizers have extended an open invitation to the public to join what they describe as “a celebration of courage, community, and movement for good.”
Organized jointly by Parkinson’s Africa and the Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation (ADPF), the annual event has become a beacon of hope, highlighting the significant role of physical activity in managing Parkinson’s Disease. This progressive neurological condition affects movement, coordination, and balance.
Over 400 participants are expected to attend this year’s event, including people living with Parkinson’s, caregivers, healthcare professionals, advocates, corporate teams, and football enthusiasts. The organizers describe the tournament as “a perfect blend of sports and advocacy,” using walking football—a slower, low-impact version of the game—to emphasize the benefits of exercise and social connection in Parkinson’s care.
Mrs. Omotola Thomas, the founder of Parkinson’s Africa, emphasized that the initiative goes beyond competition to embody resilience and togetherness. She said:
“Walking football is not just a tournament; it is a celebration of resilience, camaraderie, and the joy of staying active, especially for those living with Parkinson’s. The excitement and participation we see among our Parkinson’s warriors during the tournament and monthly walking football block sessions at the ADPF Centre show that life with Parkinson’s can still be active, purposeful, and joyful.”
The one-day tournament will feature friendly matches between registered teams, awareness sessions where people living with Parkinson’s and caregivers will share personal stories, and community-building activities filled with music, entertainment, and fun for all ages.
According to the organizers, the event also serves as an opportunity for corporate organizations to show support for a social cause that promotes health, dignity, and inclusion. Participating brands stand to gain visibility among a diverse audience while contributing meaningfully to improving the lives of people affected by Parkinson’s disease.
Both Parkinson’s Africa and the Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation reaffirmed their commitment to building a society where those living with the condition can move freely, access care, and thrive without stigma.
Key Highlights of the Event
- Tournament Structure: The event will include friendly matches between registered teams, providing a platform for participants to engage in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Awareness Sessions: These sessions will allow individuals living with Parkinson’s and their caregivers to share personal stories, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs associated with the condition.
- Community Activities: The day will be filled with music, entertainment, and fun for all ages, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the event and feel part of the community.
- Corporate Involvement: Companies that participate in the tournament will have the opportunity to showcase their commitment to social causes while reaching a broader audience.
About the Organizers
Parkinson’s Africa and the Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation (ADPF) are dedicated to raising awareness about Parkinson’s Disease and promoting the importance of physical activity in managing the condition. Their efforts have created a supportive network for individuals living with Parkinson’s and their families, emphasizing the value of community and collective action.
Through events like the Walking Football for Parkinson’s Disease Tournament, these organizations continue to make a meaningful impact, encouraging others to get involved and support the cause.