Affinity Place will be the site of the first Parkinson’s SuperWalk in Estevan on Sept. 11. The event is planned as a fun way to raise awareness of the condition, and provide support for those who have been affected by Parkinson’s disease.
“Hopefully it will be an annual walk. Registration is at 1 p.m., and the opening ceremony is at 2 p.m. From there, we will do our walk at the track at Affinity Place,” said Jessica Lewgood, one of three co-chairs of the event.
The walk has been in other parts of Saskatchewan, with annual events taking place in Saskatoon, Regina and Herbert, in previous years.
“We were contacted by the provincial office of Parkinson’s Canada, and were asked if we would be interested in hosting a walk here,” said Lewgood. “We thought it would be a great way to bring more awareness of Parkinson’s disease to the people of Estevan and the surrounding communities.”
Lewgood said a target audience for the walk would be people who have Parkinson’s, their caregivers, spouses, families and friends. The event is not limited to them, she added, as everyone is encouraged to partake in the event.
“Anyone who is willing to come out and support a good cause can come out. It’s a great way to just get out and get involved in something that’s going on in the community,” said Lewgood. “The walk is about two kilometres, so it’s not a long time commitment for individuals.”
Afterwards, there will be snacks available, from the Affinity place concession, and Lewgood noted they are hoping to have some music as well.
For those interested in registering, Lewgood said to go to Parkinsonsuperwalk.ca. Alternatively, participants are welcome show up on the day of the walk to register, with a donation of any amount they deem appropriate.
Lewgood said she expects a good turnout, with many members of their Parkinson’s support group promising to attend and bring others. She said about 20 people in the local Parkinson’s support group have agreed to attend and bring guests.
“We’re basing it off those individuals bringing at least one other person, so we’re hoping to have 50 to 75 at the walk. This year, we’re just trying to create some excitement about the walk, so we didn’t really set a fundraising goal. It’s brand new to the City of Estevan,” Lewgood said. “We just want people to come out, learn a little bit about Parkinson’s, and of course, we want the friends and family of those affected by Parkinson’s to come out and support their loved ones.”
