People in Greater Manchester who are living with Parkinson’s are invited to join walking tennis sessions and get active. We Do Tennis host sessions which are open to everyone from the Parkinson’s community of all ages and abilities.
We Do Tennis sessions are designed to help people with Parkinson’s to improve their motor skills, balance and coordination. Walking tennis takes place on smaller courts with an emphasis on being active in a fun environment. Walking tennis allows the ball to bounce twice, but prohibits any running or jumping to make it more accessible for participants.
This type of tennis gives players more time to react and means they don’t have to cover the same distance as a traditional tennis match. Walking tennis offers a relaxed and social way for people with Parkinson’s to stay active and help manage their symptoms.
Sessions are held at Wythenshawe Park every Tuesday from 11am until 12pm and St Mary’s Park in Prestwich every Thursday from 11am until 12pm, and all members of the Parkinson’s community are welcome to attend.
Helen Sturman, North England Area Development Manager at Parkinson’s UK, said:
“Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s can be a shock and adapting to life with the condition can be hard for the person involved and their loved ones too. But we know that getting the right information and support at the right time can make all the difference.
“That’s why our local groups and networks have an important part to play for people in Greater Manchester. It is vital that we can support everyone affected by Parkinson’s, so that together, we can move towards everyone with the condition feeling empowered to take control of their life with Parkinson’s.”
Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, and currently there is no cure. It affects around 145,000 people in the UK and every hour two more people are diagnosed. There are over 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety.
Parkinson’s UK is the largest charitable funder of Parkinson’s research in Europe, leading the way to better treatments and a cure.
Andy Moss, Head of Parks at We Do Tennis, said:
“We are really excited to be bringing Walking Tennis to the Parkinson’s community, as we know the physical and mental health benefits that active therapy can provide. Walking Tennis can help people with Parkinson’s to improve their mobility, flexibility, and balance in a fun and social environment”
For more information about joining a We Do Tennis session, visit www.wedotennis.co.uk or contact andy@wedotennis.co.uk.
