Multiple Sclerosis Sufferers Line up for 5km Walk

5 February Multiple Sclerosis Sufferers Line up for 5km Walk

At the Southern Trust New Zealand Masters Games tonight, eight people with multiple sclerosis will line up for the 5km Walk in Dunedin. Otago Multiple Sclerosis Society Manager, Tania McGregor, says being active and involved in community events is very important for MS sufferers.

“For our members, while they’ll be a little slower than others, the ultimate thing will be to finish. They will get a great sense of achievement and will enjoy being part of a group with a common aim. One of the competitors says that the Masters Games has always been on her bucket list.”

Tania McGregor says to have so many members participating in the 5km Walk is a great opportunity to dispel some of the myths about MS that are out there.

“When people are told they have MS it can be a very frightening diagnosis. Not everyone with MS ends up in a wheelchair and it’s important to create awareness that there is a lot of support available for MS sufferers.”

Those walking will be supported by family members, friends and Otago MS Society staff, in all a team of twenty. Six of the competitors will be aiming to walk the entire distance; one will be in a wheelchair due to recent ill health, while another will have a scooter at hand should they require it.

Today is the fifth day of competition at the New Zealand Masters Games, which continue until Sunday 9 February.

2014 Southern Trust New Zealand Masters Games

1-9 February Dunedin

www.nzmg.com

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