Try-Athlon 2026: Bigger and Better Than Ever

The return of the Sport Parkinson's Try-Athlon 2026 proved one thing beyond all doubt,  Parkinson’s does not define a person and together, this incredible community is stronger than ever.

Held at the iconic Twickenham Stoop, this year’s event was bigger, bolder and more inspiring than ever before, bringing together hundreds of people living with Parkinson’s, their families, supporters, healthcare professionals, charities, volunteers and partners, for a day built around movement, positivity and community.

The message behind Try-Athlon remains simple but powerful: helping people living with Parkinson’s to “try” a range of activities so they can find “their way to play.”

Exercise, movement and activity are proven to help reduce Parkinson’s symptoms, with many people reporting that while taking part in activities they love, they almost forget they even have Parkinson’s. That feeling was everywhere throughout the day.

A Festival of Activity and Possibility

From the moment doors opened, the atmosphere was electric. Whether people wanted to challenge themselves physically, discover a new hobby, meet others on a similar journey or simply learn more about living well with Parkinson’s, there truly was something for everyone.

Kicking off with Christine from British Nordic Walking leading the warm up on the main pitch was an iconic moment of the day. 

Inside the venue, visitors could meet physios, nurses, dieticians, charities and leading tech companies, all offering support, advice and innovation aimed at improving quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s.

Across the event, attendees had the opportunity to try a huge variety of activities including:

• Seated workouts

• Yoga

• Pilates

• Rowing

• Boxing

• Judo

• Singing

• Dancing

• Safe falling workshops

• And much more

One of the highlights of the day was the incredible energy created by the live music and dance performances, including sessions with Rock Choir, English National Ballet and the amazing Rockaoke band, which had people singing, moving and dancing together throughout the event.

Outside on the pitch, the festival atmosphere continued with activities including:

• Walking football

• Walking rugby

• Cycling

• Fly fishing

• Tennis

• Cricket

• Netball

• Padel

Everywhere you looked, people were stepping outside their comfort zones, trying something new and discovering activities they may never have considered before.  We were also joined by two Parkinson’s Podcast groups, The Movers and Shakers Podcast and Two Parkies in a Pod host Kuhan and Dave, who took part in some of the activities and also recorded some live snippets for future shows.

More Than Just Exercise

What makes the Try-Athlon so special is that it is about far more than sport or exercise alone. It is about confidence. It is about friendship. It is about proving to people that life after diagnosis can still be active, exciting and fulfilling. Throughout the day, new friendships were formed, communities strengthened and support networks built. There was an overwhelming sense of positivity from people who arrived perhaps unsure of what to expect, but left inspired, informed and excited about taking the next step in their Parkinson’s journey.

For many attendees, the event offered something priceless, hope. Hope that there are still new experiences to enjoy, new people to meet and new goals to achieve and many of these wouldn’t happen without the Parkinson’s diagnosis.

Incredible Support Behind the Scenes

Events like Try-Athlon simply would not be possible without the incredible support of sponsors, partners and volunteers. A huge thank you goes to Cassidy Group, the main sponsor of the event, whose support helped make the day possible.

We would also like to thank RBW Consulting for generously providing volunteers who played a vital role throughout the day, helping attendees, supporting activities and ensuring the event ran smoothly from start to finish. Special thanks must also go to event partners Parkinson's UK and Cure Parkinson's for their continued support and commitment to improving the lives of people affected by Parkinson’s.

Finally, thank you to every exhibitor, activity leader, healthcare professional, volunteer, supporter and participant who brought such passion and positivity to the day.

Looking Ahead

Try-Athlon 2026 was more than an event, it was a reminder of what is possible when people come together with determination, positivity and a refusal to let Parkinson’s take control. People left not only with information and inspiration, but with excitement for the future and motivation to keep moving, keep trying and keep finding their way to play. Because Parkinson’s may be part of life but it does not define it.

At 62 and living with Parkinson’s I decided it was time to try something new: walking rugby. If you’re going to start a new sport, why not do it in the company of a Scottish rugby legend Gavin Hastings and an English legend, Rob Andrew, proof that the best really is yet to come. The truth is, my life didn’t end with a Parkinson’s diagnosis, in reality, it began again.  Since then, I’ve experienced more joy, friendship and unexpected opportunities than I ever thought possible. I learned today, no matter your age or your challenges, there is always another game to play, another friendship to make and another reason to believe the best may still be ahead.

Peter Hone Try-Athlon Attendee

I am so pleased to have come to all four Try-Athlon days.  They are such an informative, inspiring event for all who attend, with the bonus of being able to see so many great friends and others in the community again.

Joe Gregory Try-Athlon Attendee

I just wanted to say thank you again for allowing us to be part of a brilliant day yesterday.  I wanted to pass along the positive feedback from the team, London Pulse and AFC Wimbledon as well, as they loved the event and were more than happy to support.

Jade Shuriah Harlequins Foundation Regional Manager

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuigCvDsLkw