Parkinson’s Africa and Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation Hold WFPD 2025

On Saturday, November 8th, 2025, Parkinson’s Africa and the Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation hosted the 3rd Annual Walking Football Parkinson’s Disease Tournament 2025 (WFPD 2025). 

This year’s theme, “Support Over Stigma,” highlighted the importance of healthcare access, compassion, and community support for people living with Parkinson’s disease. The event was a powerful reminder of the need to foster understanding, break down stigma, and empower Parkinson’s warriors, caregivers, and their families.

WFPD 2025 brought together over 600 warriors, caregivers, champions, advocates, partners, volunteers, and both private and public representatives united by a shared vision: creating awareness and strengthening support for people living with Parkinson’s.

The tournament kicked off at the Eagles Club, Lagos, where corporate teams geared up to play for a common cause, to raise awareness and encourage support for Parkinson’s patients. The Walking Football Tournament featured 16 teams, all engaged in a spirited competition designed to champion Parkinson’s warriors and amplify their voices.

The games continued until the finals, where outstanding teams were recognized and awarded, celebrating teamwork, resilience, and collective action.

Beyond football, the event featured several memorable moments. One of the highlights was a moving rendition of “This Is Me” by Keala Settle, performed by over 50 people living with Parkinson’s and their caregivers. Their performance filled the atmosphere with passion, courage, and unity.

Excitement continued with raffle draws, where over 20 gifts were won, keeping participants energized and engaged throughout the day.

This year’s event enjoyed incredible support from sponsors and partners including:
LES (Gold Sponsor), Stanbic IBTC (Silver Sponsor), Airtel, IHS Towers, StreSert Services Limited, AIICO Multishield, Waka Football Association, PFL, Asharami Synergy, Halogen, Reliance HMO, FanMilk, Danone, Suzuki, and many dedicated volunteers. Their contributions played a vital role in creating awareness and supporting Parkinson’s warriors.

In an interview with NigerianNGO, Omotola Thomas, founder of Parkinson’s Africa, shared that over the past three years, their numbers, reach, and capacity have significantly grown. She emphasized how inspiring it is to see Parkinson’s patients boldly sharing their journeys without shame or fear of stigma. She also noted the consistent support from six corporate teams who have remained dedicated to the cause from the beginning.Finding a sport that is both engaging and accessible for people living with Parkinson’s disease, she said, has been an important breakthrough.

Dr. Aderemi Desalu, Chairman, Advisory Council of the Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation highlighted that the Walking Football Tournament is just one of the many initiatives the foundation carries out. He explained that mobility is a vital part of health, especially for individuals with Parkinson’s, and the tournament was created to promote that.

From just four teams at inception, the tournament has grown to 16 teams, with expectations to expand even further—perhaps even filling a national stadium in the near future.

In her heartfelt message, Omorinsojo Desalu, Founder, Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation expressed deep appreciation for sponsors, partners, caregivers, families, and all Parkinson’s warriors who made WFPD 2025 a success. She encouraged the community to look out for one another, highlighting the importance of noticing changes in people—for example, when someone who once walked normally begins to walk more slowly. Such moments call for care, not judgment.

She reminded everyone that Parkinson’s is not a death sentence, but rather “the beginning of a new kind of life.” She urged participants not only to enjoy the event but also to take the knowledge gained and share it with others.

Parkinson’s Africa and the Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation are setting a powerful new standard for engagement, awareness, and advocacy for Parkinson’s warriors. WFPD 2025 left a lasting impact, filled with awareness, education, compassion, and renewed commitment to supporting people living with Parkinson’s.

It was more than a football tournament; it was a movement—one that continues to inspire and drive change across communities.

You can reach out to the Non-Governmental Organizations by using any of the links below:

Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation
Website: https://desaluparkinsonsfoundation.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adpforg

Parkinson’s Africa
Website: https://www.parkinsonsafrica.org
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/parkinsonsafrica