A Parkinson’s sufferer will compete on the biggest stage in Stand Up Paddling with the aim of raising awareness of the neurodegenerative disease and showing that “life can and must go on”.
Christophe Mathevet has entered the masters over 50s category at the International Canoe Federation SUP World Championships that will take place from November 20 to 24 in Sarasota, United States.
His participation comes six years after the father of three was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease at the age of 51.
Parkinson’s Disease is a brain condition that causes slowed movements, tremors and balance problems with the symptoms worsening over time.
Mathevet is determined to keep fighting and insists sport and physical exercise are essential to his battle against the disease.
“Parkinson's cannot be cured,” said 57-year-old Mathevet.
“It is a progressive disease that’s last stage makes you impotent.
“It is therefore important to slow down the disease – and currently the only means recognised by medicine is physical activity.”
Mathevet has been participating in SUP for 10 years and competed nationally for the first time in 2021.
Since featuring at the French Championships in Vassiviere that year, Mathevet has continued to participate in SUP events as he looks to raise awareness of Parkinson’s Disease.
Mathevet is the founder and President of the Paddle Against Parkinson’s Association which aims to fulfill three main objectives.
“The first objective is to make the disease known to a wide audience, in particular to make it clear that it is not just a disease of the elderly who tremble,” said Mathevet.
“There are patients who are younger, 50 years old, 40 years old and sometimes 30 years old.
“The second objective is to collect donations for research, currently all our donations go to clinical research done at the hospital of Lille in France.
“This research conducted by Professor of Neurology David Devos consists of injecting dopamine continuously into the brain using a pump placed in the abdomen.
“If this succeeds, even if it does not cure, it would be a huge step forward for the quality of life of patients at an advanced stage
“The third objective is to encourage patients to practice physical activity and to maintain a social life and I try my best to show that even with Parkinson's that life can and must go on.”
Mathevet said the association had created a team of competitors who participate in SUP races and try to get people talking about the disease.
“Every time someone from the team makes a podium he shows the flag of the association,” added the Frenchman.
Mathevet is now gearing up for his debut at the ICF SUP World Championships where he hopes to raise awareness and encourage other Parkinson’s suffers to take up the sport as they continue their fight.
“I have always loved water sports and the great outdoors,” said Mathevet.
“So it was natural that I continued paddleboarding to slow down the disease.
“Paddleboarding is very good for balance and posture muscles.
“It is also an outdoor sport which is pleasant and is good for morale.
“It's very important to stay motivated.
“Sarasota will be my first participation at a World Championships.
“I will be registered in the over 50 category.
“My goal at these World Championships is to raise awareness about Parkinson's disease.
“Maybe one day there will be a Para SUP category at the World Championships.”
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