MND NZ announced as 2024 NZ Masters Games’ charity partner

Motor Neurone Disease NZ is the official charity partner for the NZ Masters Games, the largest and longest-running Masters multi-sport festival in New Zealand. The 35^th annual Games will be hosted in Dunedin from 3-12 February 2024.

Motor neurone disease (MND) is a fatal, rapidly progressing neurological disease that leaves people locked in a failing body, unable to move, talk, and eventually breathe.

Known as ALS in some countries, there are no truly effective treatments and no known cure. Most people with the disease live for 20-48 months after symptoms begin.

Motor Neurone Disease NZ is a charitable trust dedicated to making time count for people living with MND and their loved ones, and funding research and clinical trials for a future without MND.

Motor Neurone Disease NZ marketing and fundraising manager says the partnership with the New Zealand Masters Games is a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness among Masters athletes and their supporters.

“With MND, the messages from the motor neurones gradually stop reaching the muscles. This leads the muscles to weaken, stiffen and waste, which can affect how you walk, talk, eat, drink, and breathe.

“Each week three New Zealanders will receive the news of an MND diagnosis, and a further two will have their lives unfairly cut short due to the disease. Around 35% of the people diagnosed with MND are under the age of 65.

“One of the biggest barriers to a cure is funds for research and clinical trials, which is needed to help understand the disease better and develop truly effective treatments.

“As well as supporting research, we provide community-based support free of charge to people with the disease and their loved ones, but this is only possible due to the generosity of those who choose to support the cause.”

Participants are asked to support the charity by making a voluntary $5 donation when registering for the 2024 New Zealand Masters Games, or by donating here.

To find out more, visit: www.nzmg.com