A Warrington boxing gym has launched a special training camp for sufferers of Parkinson’s disease.
Non-contact boxing training camps will be launched next February, both on line and in person, with line and in person with the coaches from the Rock Steady gym. The aim is to improve life skills and ultimately become coaches for boxers with Parkinson’s.
The program aims to establish the coaches as a leader in health and wellness, program boost community presence, attract new members, and show commitment to holistic care.
Rock Steady Company Secretary Michell Fox, told Mersey Sport Live: “The course consists of online training, then the two days physical training days at our Warrington site.”
For the training camp next February, participants must either have a PT Level 3 or 2, a Level 3 boxing coach or be a licensed rehabilitation professional.
“The trainee coaches will work with other RSB coaches and some of our amazing Parkinson Boxers,” Fox said.
Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive, neurological condition that affects daily life, including movement, speech, swallowing, and writing, the disease affects 153 thousand in the UK.
Tommy O’Connor has been the head coach at Rocksteady Warrington since 2019. The 71-year-old was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2013, but he is now fighting the disease with boxing. “I came across Rock Steady Boxing in Indianapolis and went to discover how boxing, my lifelong sport could fight PD symptoms. I was blown away to see it in action in the gym and knew straight away that this was something that would help me fight back.”
The qualified coaches are boosted by an army of volunteers.
“I love to see the individual progress the boxers make in addressing their symptoms and the support they get from family, volunteers, and each other, rather than being isolated and alone to get by,” O’Connor said.
The Boxing gym in Warrington only opened January, is already making an impact on the community and is all set to be a major player in helping those struck down with this cruel disease.
