Parkinson Games organisers want to invite Muhammad Ali

By ČTK / Published 4 August 2008
http://www.praguemonitor.com/en/392/...epublic/26316/

Dubnany, South Moravia, Aug 2 (CTK) - Organisers of the first "Parkinson Games" in Central Europe for people suffering from Parkinson's disease, held in Dubnany Saturday, want to invite famous boxer Muhammad Ali to the next event, games director Jan Skrkal has told CTK.

Along with Ali, other famous personalities, such as Pope John Paul II and artist Salvador Dali, have suffered from Parkinson's disease, an incurable disorder of the central nervous system that impairs locomotion skills and speech.

A total of 45 contestants from the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia Saturday competed in the Parkinson Games in badminton, petanque and bowling.

Though the organisers do not intend to include box among the events, they would like to see Ali in Dubnany next year, Skrkal said.

Up to 15,000 people have Parkinson's disease in the 10-million Czech Republic.

Medication can considerably improve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease for several years. However, later the administration of medicines is accompanied with complications. Brain surgery can also improve the patients' conditions in some cases.