Walking Football Kicks Off Inclusion for Parkinson’s Patients in Livorno, Italy
April 11, 2024
Livorno, Italy
Livorno, Italy – In a groundbreaking initiative that merges the worlds of sports and rehabilitation, the Plus Livorno clinic centre has launched “Walking Football,” a program designed to engage individuals with Parkinson’s disease in accessible physical activity. This innovative approach not only aims to improve physical well-being but also to foster a sense of community and break down the social barriers frequently enough associated with the condition.
the concept of Walking Football is simple yet profound: it’s a modified version of soccer, adapted to accommodate the needs and abilities of participants with mobility limitations. The rules are designed to ensure safety and inclusivity, making it possible for individuals of varying physical capabilities to participate and enjoy the benefits of team sports.
Francesco Boni, administrator of Clinici Plus, explains the unique aspects of this adaptation: “For the first time in the world we have formed a team of Walking Football, a ‘walking’ football adapted to disability.” He elaborates on the specific rules: “this sport follows specific rules to ensure inclusive and safe experience: the ball cannot be kicked beyond the height of the shoulders and, before pulling on the door, all the players must touch the ball, thus promoting the participation of everyone.”
A Partnership for Progress
The Walking Football project has garnered significant support from the local community, most notably thru a collaboration with Livorno Calcio, a local soccer club. Livorno Calcio has provided access to their “Maracanà” training grounds in the Korea district, offering a dedicated space for the Walking Football team to practice and hone their skills. This partnership underscores the importance of community involvement in promoting inclusive initiatives and supporting individuals with disabilities.
The Big Game: A Showcase of Skill and Spirit
The culmination of this collaborative effort will be a five-on-five match scheduled for April 13 at the Armando Picchi stadium. This event, planned to take place between the first and second half of a Livorno Calcio match, will provide a platform for the Walking Football team to showcase their skills, determination, and team spirit to a wider audience. It’s a moment of pride and accomplishment for the participants, demonstrating that Parkinson’s disease need not be a barrier to physical activity and social engagement.
More Than Just Football: A Holistic Approach to Well-being
Walking Football is just one component of Plus clinics’ extensive approach to improving the quality of life for patients with Parkinson’s. The center offers a range of complementary therapies and activities designed to address the diverse needs of individuals living with the condition. these include theater, Pilates, yoga, tango, and functional juggling, providing opportunities for creative expression, physical fitness, and social interaction. Importantly, these programs are also open to caregivers, recognizing the vital role they play in supporting individuals with Parkinson’s.
“In addition to walking football – continues Francesco Boni – we offer theater, pilates, yoga, tango and functional juggling, involving both patients and their caregivers”.
The multidisciplinary team at Plus Clinic Center includes physiotherapists, speech therapists, kinesiologists, and neuropsychologists, as well as professionals in theater, yoga, tango, and functional juggling.This comprehensive approach ensures that patients receive personalized care tailored to their specific needs and goals.
Breaking Down Barriers, Building Confidence
The impact of these activities extends far beyond the physical realm. Participants report feeling a renewed sense of enthusiasm, purpose, and connection. The sense of isolation and closure often associated with Parkinson’s disease is replaced by a strong team spirit and a supportive community.
«After training – adds Boni, head of the Parkinson’s health project – a boost of enthusiasm is perceived among patients. The sense of closure that often accompanies this pathology is knocked down and a strong team spirit is created ».
Currently,the project involves about sixty people from all over italy,with forty participating in person and others joining remotely.This widespread participation underscores the demand for innovative and inclusive programs that cater to the needs of individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
The American Context: Expanding Access to Adaptive Sports
While the Walking Football initiative is based in Italy, its principles and goals resonate strongly within the United States. The U.S. is witnessing a growing awareness of the importance of adaptive sports and recreational activities for individuals with disabilities,including Parkinson’s disease. Organizations like the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) and the Parkinson’s Foundation offer resources and support for individuals seeking to participate in physical activities tailored to their needs.
Similar initiatives, such as adaptive cycling programs, specialized exercise classes, and movement therapy sessions, are gaining popularity across the country. these programs provide opportunities for individuals with Parkinson’s disease to maintain their physical function, improve their quality of life, and connect with others in a supportive surroundings.
The success of the Walking football project in Livorno serves as an inspiring exmaple for communities in the U.S. looking to develop and implement similar inclusive programs.By fostering partnerships between healthcare providers, sports organizations, and community groups, it is possible to create accessible and engaging activities that empower individuals with Parkinson’s disease and promote their overall well-being.
The Path Forward: Advocacy, Awareness, and Action
The Walking Football initiative underscores the importance of advocacy, awareness, and action in addressing the needs of individuals with Parkinson’s disease. By highlighting the positive impact of adaptive sports and recreational activities, it encourages policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to prioritize the progress and funding of inclusive programs.
As Francesco Boni emphasizes, “We help patients to work on a targeted path, starting from the maintenance of the individual’s abilities to thus come to acquire greater awareness of their challenges and limits.”
plus clinics message is clear: Parkinson’s disease must not be an obstacle to social life and well -being.Thanks to initiatives such as the Walking Football, sport becomes a means of breaking down taboos and returning to patients trust and autonomy.
What impact has Walking Football had on the sense of community and social engagement among Parkinson’s patients?
Walking Football: Archyde News Interviews Francesco Boni on Inclusive Sports for Parkinson’s
Archyde News: Welcome, Mr. Boni.thank you for joining us today. Could you start by explaining the core concept behind Walking Football and how it’s adapted for individuals with Parkinson’s disease?
Francesco Boni: Thank you for having me. Walking Football is a modified version of customary soccer, designed to be inclusive for those with mobility limitations. The primary adaptation involves specific rules to ensure safety and participation. The ball can’t be kicked above shoulder height, and every player must touch the ball before a shot on goal. This promotes a team environment and ensures everyone, regardless of physical ability, is involved in the play.
archyde News: The article highlights the collaboration with Livorno Calcio. How crucial is community involvement in bringing initiatives like Walking Football to life, and what benefits has this partnership provided?
Francesco Boni: Community partnerships are absolutely vital. Livorno Calcio providing their “Maracanà” training grounds was a game-changer. It gave us a dedicated, professional space, boosting the team’s morale and visibility. this partnership helped us normalize these activities and spread awareness about the accessibility these sports can provide – it’s about fostering a sense of belonging.
Archyde News: Beyond physical activity, what other therapies and activities does the Plus Livorno clinic offer to holistically support Parkinson’s patients, and how are caregivers included in this model?
Francesco Boni: We believe in a extensive approach. Alongside Walking Football, we offer theater, Pilates, yoga, tango, and functional juggling. These activities address the diverse range of needs that come with living with Parkinson’s,from creativity and mental stimulation to physical fitness. Caregivers are integral to our programs,they are part of the family,and we recognise their crucial role in and support for patients’ well-being,offering them the same opportunities for engagement and social activity.
Archyde News: The article mentions a powerful sense of renewed enthusiasm. How does something like Walking Football combat the isolation and social closure often associated with Parkinson’s?
Francesco Boni: The atmosphere created by Walking Football is incredibly uplifting. The team spirit and camaraderie build a strong support network.This sense of connection is transformative, as it actively fights the feelings of isolation and closure that can be overwhelming. Thru shared experiences,sportsmanship,and achieving common goals,we create a supportive community where patients regain their confidence and sense of purpose.
Archyde News: Looking to the future, what are your plans for further expansion of this program, both in Livorno and possibly beyond? Is there any advice you’d offer to U.S. communities looking to adopt similar inclusive sports models?
Francesco Boni: We’re aiming to broaden participation, bringing even more people from across Italy into our program. Our goal is to enhance patient awareness and the potential of Walking Football, expanding the impact of a great sport.For U.S. communities,I’d suggest reaching out,the process necessitates close collaboration with healthcare partners,community groups,and sports organizations. Start small, build relationships, and highlight the value of adaptive and inclusive sports – their role in empowering individuals with Parkinson’s and offering life-changing opportunities. I’d also add,don’t be afraid to adapt & innovate; listen to the participants and always put their needs first.
archyde News: Thank you, Mr. Boni, for sharing your insights. This is truly an inspiring initiative. What message would you most like to leave with our readers regarding the importance of inclusive sports and activities in the field of Parkinson’s care?
Francesco Boni: To those living with Parkinson’s: do not let it isolate you. Sport is not just about physical health; it’s about trust in yourselves, in the team. It’s about confidence when facing daily life. We want to encourage the world to recognize that Parkinson’s disease needn’t be an obstacle to a fulfilling life. Inclusive sports programs open the door to that social engagement, the team support, to the fulfillment of a renewed lifestyle.
Archyde News: That’s a fantastic message. Thank you again, Mr. Boni. For our readers, what thoughts or questions do you have about this inclusive initiative and the impact of walking Football? Share your views in the comments below.
