Parkinson’s UK has awarded a physical activity grant to Rock Steady Boxing for a new boxing training programme for UK coaches.
Non-contact boxing provides an intense workout for people with Parkinson’s, and can help them to stay active. Rock Steady Boxing is a not-for-profit organisation based in the United States which provides high intensity boxing sessions for the Parkinson’s community.
Rock Steady Boxing already supports affiliates in Widnes and Glasgow, and this grant funding will subsidise training courses for up to ten new approved boxing coaches, allowing them to reach more people living with Parkinson’s in the UK.
The Rock Steady Boxing courses are designed for physiotherapists, boxing coaches, personal trainers, fitness coaches and medical professionals who work with, or want to support, clients with Parkinson’s. Courses involve a mix of 10 hours online learning and a two-day coaching session at Rock Steady Boxing in Widnes, which will take place in March 2023.
Parkinson’s UK and Rock Steady Boxing are subsidising training costs for new head coaches, as well as helping to reduce the first year affiliate costs. Applicants from across the UK can qualify for a big discount and only pay £325 for comprehensive training to help them take the steps towards becoming a Rock Steady coach, and deliver new physical activity opportunities for the Parkinson’s community.
This partnership is part of Parkinson’s UK’s physical activity grants programme, which is supporting more than 80 new projects across the UK. The grants will enable people with Parkinson’s to try sports such as table tennis, boxing, walking football and Boccia, helping them to stay active, manage their symptoms and “feel good inside and out”.
Tim Morton, Physical Activity Programme Manager for Parkinson’s UK, said:
“We are delighted to be in partnership with Rock Steady Boxing. They offer the absolute gold standard in equipping providers to become excellent boxing coaches, equipped with an understanding of Parkinson’s and helping people with the condition understand the benefits of being physically active. We hope that this great offer will help set up new Rock Steady centres all over the UK, and ultimately help thousands of people to live well with the condition.”
Ryan Cotton, Chief Executive Officer at Rock Steady Boxing, said:
“Rock Steady Boxing is excited to be collaborating with Parkinson’s UK and to bring our training to more people across the country. Current evidence from the Parkinson’s community supports regular, vigorous activity to help manage symptoms and Rock Steady Boxing is a great way to deliver this life-changing physical activity. We hope that with training across the UK, we can develop more locations so the entire Parkinson’s community has a local Rock Steady Boxing class available to them.”
To apply for one of the discounted training places, visit Rock Steady Boxing and use the discount code ‘UK2023’. Or visit the Rock Steady Boxing affiliate programme.
To register as a Rock Steady Boxing affiliate or for more information about joining a training course, contact info@rocksteadyboxing.org.
