Airtel Nigeria has deepened its support for health advocacy and community inclusion by participating in the 3rd Annual Walking Football Tournament held over the weekend in Lagos. The event was organised by Parkinson’s Africa in partnership with the Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation (ADPF), as part of ongoing efforts to raise awareness about Parkinson’s Disease across the country.
Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and motor control. While symptoms such as tremors and stiffness are visible, many of the emotional and psychological impacts remain misunderstood. Organisers of the tournament have positioned walking football as a creative and inclusive way to highlight the realities of living with the condition, while promoting physical activity, social interaction, and community empathy.
Airtel Nigeria participated through its Employee Volunteer Programme (EVP), which encourages staff to actively engage in charitable and social development initiatives. The Airtel team demonstrated strong sportsmanship and coordination throughout the tournament, ultimately securing third place among the participating teams.
However, Airtel noted that the essence of the event went beyond competition.
“This was a day of education, connection and shared humanity,” Airtel Nigeria said in a statement. “It reminded us that inclusion is not just a policy — it is an action. We are proud to stand with individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease and support efforts that promote awareness, early diagnosis and dignity.”
Participants included families of individuals living with Parkinson’s, medical professionals, corporate teams, advocacy groups and supporters. The atmosphere combined light-hearted sporting rivalry with moving conversations about resilience, treatment access and the lived experiences of those affected.
Organisers said the growing participation in the tournament reflects a rising awareness of neurological health in Nigeria, but stressed that more needs to be done in the areas of public education, research funding and access to therapy.
Speaking at the event, representatives of Parkinson’s Africa and the ADPF called for “stronger community support systems, early intervention programs, and sustained awareness campaigns to help improve the quality of life for patients and caregivers.”
The walking football format — where running is prohibited and pace is moderated — made the game accessible to a wider range of participants, including senior citizens and individuals managing health conditions.
Airtel Nigeria reaffirmed that it will continue to support initiatives that promote well-being, equity and social inclusion, particularly those that enable vulnerable or underrepresented groups to be seen and supported in everyday spaces.
