A recent study has pinpointed nine factors that contribute to the risk of dementia and two of those risks, physical inactivity (4%) and social isolation (3%), are tackled head-on by the seventy members of the East Algarve Walking Football group. Weekly sessions at Olhão and Tavira together with a variety of social events and spin-off activities such as cycling and horse riding prove popular. The first Mike Wreford WF Beach Festival, in honour of founder member Mike who tragically passed away earlier this year following a brave battle with lung cancer, was held on Armona Island. Over eighty players, officials and families enjoying a multitude of fun activities – beach soccer, volleyball and rounders – although underwater petanque sunk without trace! Mike’s brother-in-law and nephew, Graham and Toby Keepence flew over especially for the event and presented the MIKE WREFORD WF NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR AWARD.
Mike’s two sons, Joel and Pat, sent the following message:
We love the idea that frolicking is one of the main draws! Honestly, it’s such a great idea and couldn’t be more of a fitting tribute to Dad. We are genuinely grateful to you and the whole crew out there for keeping his memory going. I know you know what a legend he was but for us, it’s incredibly touching to see how well liked he was out there and how much fun you guys are going to have in his honour. Lounging around on the beach was Dad in his element (or his office as he liked to call it) so there’s literally no better way to celebrate him. I know we have all shared happy memories on that island with him so really the only downside is that he won’t be there to get involved, I know he would be at the bar asking for a pound out the till and dancing with his thumbs out!