Top Glove Boxing Academy officially launched the Rock Steady Boxing program on Nov. 6.
The much-anticipated and unique exercise program is based around training techniques used by professional and amateur boxers alike, adapted for people with Parkinson's disease.
Top Glove received a crucial funding boost to the tune of $10,000 from their "super heavyweight title" sponsor, Mine Mill Local 598/Unifor, on July 11, and the program is now up and running for nearly 20 people from Greater Sudbury and surrounding area who are living with Parkinson's.
Gordon Apolloni led the charge to bring the program to Sudbury on Top Glove's end as the club's head coach. In collaboration with Estelle Joliat, northeast community development coordinator, Parkinson Canada, the two set out to bring Rock Steady to the Nickel City.
"This is a great program and resource to have in the city," Apolloni said, speaking at Tuesday's press conference. "When I first heard about it last fall … there was no hesitation, I wanted to have this here in Sudbury."
Apolloni fought through some tears when speaking about his longtime friend Chris Sheridan, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's 10 years ago.
"You see people like Chris … it was time to do something," said Apolloni.
The Rock Steady Boxing Method was developed in Indianapolis over the course of seven years. In 2012, the training camp was launched to share the Rock Steady Boxing Method with other people who are fighting back against Parkinson’s.
Today, there are 713 Rock Steady Boxing programs around the world, many across Canada, initiated by certified Rock Steady Boxing coaches.
Apolloni is now one of those officially certified coaches, along with Beth Kucheran. The two will run training camps Tuesdays and Wednesdays in 90-minute sessions for their 18 clients.
One of those clients is Larry Breth, who will be making his way into Sudbury from his home in Sturgeon Falls twice a week as he fights back against Parkinson's.
"These are amazing people,” Breth said. “Gordon came to meet with me and told me about the program. It's unreal what they're doing here.
“I had been doing weight training but they're doing so much more here that I was never doing before. My wife has promised that she'll drive me for the classes. It's a commitment for sure, but it's one that we all have to make."
Around 300 Sudburians are living with Parkinson's, and Apolloni is hopeful he'll see as many of them as possible taking part in the program that he hopes will grow in not only numbers, but the amount of classes offered.
Estelle Joliat, northeast community development coordinator, Parkinson Canada, applauded the work of Apolloni and Kucheran for their dedication to the community and to helping people with Parkinson's live healthy and active lives.
"For people with Parkinson's, exercise is their medicine," said Joliat. "We're so fortunate to have people like Beth and Gordon here in Sudbury. I can't say enough about the importance of exercise to keep people living with Parkinson's strong and independent."
Memberships to Rock Steady Boxing at Top Glove are $80 per month, with two classes per week and plans to offer more down the road.
Apolloni has also extended the offer to anyone who takes part in the Rock Steady Boxing program to join in with other adult classes that are offered at Top Glove Boxing Academy.
To find out how you or someone you know can get involved in the program visit www.topglove.ca.
