England Boxing partners with Parkinson’s UK to launch coaching course
October 29, 2024 | by Chris Boyd
England Boxing is excited to announce the launch of the ‘England Boxing Coaching People with Parkinson’s course’, in partnership with Parkinson’s UK.
The official launch took place at the Parkinson’s Conference (ParCon) in Leeds on Friday, October 11th, 2024, with multiple members of the England Boxing Club and Community team in attendance.
Through the generous support of Parkinson’s UK and a kind donation from Richard Longthorp of St Paul’s Boxing Club based in Hull, England Boxing has been granted £17,000 to help develop and deliver this unique course.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Parkinson’s UK to launch this boxing-specific Parkinson’s course”, said Club and Community manager Richard Powers.
He continued: “This initiative will provide our coaches with the skills and knowledge to make a real difference in the lives of those living with Parkinson’s. A huge thank you must go to Parkinson’s UK and Richard Longthorp, as this grant will enable us to develop a programme that combines the physical benefits of boxing with tailored support for the community.
“With this funding, England Boxing will be able to offer nine free courses across the country for qualified coaches. These courses are designed for England Boxing coaches who are interested in delivering community sessions tailored to people living with Parkinson’s, providing them with the skills to make a positive impact in their local areas.”
Dennis Stinchcombe MBE, of Broad Plain Boxing Club, delivered the very first Parkinson’s boxing session in England some eight years ago, and is delighted to see the fruits of his, and others, labour:
“The launch of the Parkinson’s boxing course here at ParCon is the cherry on the cake. England Boxing and Parkinson’s UK combining signals the beginning of a major partnership and a positive journey for so many more people with Parkinson’s.
“Now this course is a reality, more people will get to experience joining a gym and receiving support that will help ease their symptoms. As all of my participants say, ‘thank you for giving me my life back!’
“It’s important to also thank Richard Powers for believing in what we were doing, and for putting the final touches on what can only be a fantastic addition to the learning of qualified, experienced England Boxing coaches.”
Jim Dyne, who runs the award-winning Parky Blinders sessions at Newquay Boxing Academy is excited to see the nationwide possibilities of the course:
“Having run Parkinson’s sessions for over two years, and seeing first-hand the positive impact that boxing has on our participants, I’m extremely excited to have been asked to take part in developing this course.
“Hopefully this will encourage multiple clubs, nationwide, to begin running Parkinson’s boxing sessions in a safe and regulated environment, thus improving the lives of people living with Parkinson’s.”
Information regarding the ‘Coaching People with Parkinson’s Course’ will be provided in the coming months.
