We gave Parkinson’s a swift KICK this weekend! Very proud to announce that Allegheny Shotokan “Viola” karate and its sister program Norwin Ninjas in conjunction with Team Kumite to have combined to raise over $10,000 for The Pittsburgh Institute of Neurological Diseases #PIND Read more.
Sensei Bill’s Grandmother
The “KICK” concept was developed Irwin native Bill Viola Jr., founder of Kumite Classic Entertainment, and former Mayor and State Senator Sean Logan. Logan was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s disease in his mid-forties and Viola spent years caring for his Grandmother who passed away from neurodegenerative complications.
Logan developed a 5K to promote his “Do Something” campaign as means to encourage exercise. Physical activity has been proven to be an effective method to combat Parkinson’s disease. Viola parented with Logan in 2017 to add a “Kick-a-thon” element to the 5k, and its growth has been exponential. Viola explains, “Last year the KICK raised just over $5000 with 50 participants. This year we doubled both brining us up to over $15,000 with just two kicks-a-thons.
WHO is PIND? Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (Parkinson’s Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Huntington’s Disease, Stroke, and Alzheimer’s Disease).
WHAT: Community service is an important part of building character. Our dojo is supporting the Annual PIND walk/run by establishing a kick-a-thon fundraiser throughout August. Students will kick in 1-mile kick-a-thon and parents are welcome to sign up and walk along side them.
WHY: PIND is an organization that Sensei Bill and all of the Norwin Ninjas and Allegheny Shotokan supports. He lost his Grandmother and Uncle to complications caused by Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. It is a cause near and dear to his heart.
WHEN: July-August raise money. Collect sponsors to support you kicking for 1-mile. Labor Day Monday September 3rd 8AM is the Kick-A-Thon. Students will kick for 1-mile. It’s a challenge! Get ready to sweat!!!!!! Actual Kick-A-Thon is Labor Day.
WHERE: Boyce Park, Monroeville
PIND Overview
Donation Sheet
Letter for sponsors
Prizes / Info
*Important information. You must register online by August 20th to guarantee a t-shirt. You do not have to walk, run or kick to make a donation. We ask that all students try and raise at least the minimum of $25. Kick-a-thon will follow the 1-mile walk. Event begins @ 8AM Boyce Park, Monroeville.
Here are some photos of last year’s PIND Kick-a-thon:PIND (Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases) 5K walk/run/kick held annually Labor Day at Boyce Park in Monroeville.
PIND offers a unique twist to the traditional 5K by incorporating a “Kick-a-thon” portion where local martial artists literally kick for a mile non-stop alongside the walkers. It is a first of its kind in event in the region, possibly the country. The estimated amount of kicks thrown by each participant is 2000, collectively they hope to hit 200,000 kicks to raise awareness.
The “Kick” concept was developed former State Senator Sean Logan along with and Irwin native Bill Viola Jr. (owner of Norwin Ninjas and Allegheny Shotokan Karate). Logan was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in his mid-forties and Viola spent years caring for his Grandmother who passed away from neurodegenerative complications.
Viola said, “The cause is near and dear to my heart. I’ve been looking for a way to fight this epidemic, and having my school ‘Kick’ for a cure was a perfect fit. Building character is an important part of martial arts. My students exceeded my expectations by collecting donations.” Rayden Galley led the group of 50 kickers by donating nearly $500. The karate students in total donated over $4500 to PIND bringing the 2017 efforts to over $100,000 for the entire project with aid from corporate sponsors and the surrounding communities.
PIND spearheads efforts to find a cure for Parkinson’s Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Huntington’s Disease, Stroke, and Alzheimer’s Disease. The kids have already made plans to “Kick Parksinsons” again next year. For more information please visit: PIND5K.org
