A group of Cootamundra tai chi students and teachers are taking on a challenge of a different kind, putting their flow and discipline to the test for a good cause.
Team Coota Tai Chi has signed up for Stroke Foundation’s Stride4Stroke campaign; a month-long challenge encouraging Australians to get active every day by doing their favourite physical activities and raise funds to help create a future with fewer strokes.
Team captain and tai chi teacher, Linda Power, is leading the charge by challenging her students to commit to three sessions a week. It’s a cause close to her heart after both her parents had a stroke.
“It’s my way of honouring mum and dad while, at the same time, increasing awareness of stroke so others know what to do to reduce their risk.”
Members of Team Coota Tai Chi are among hundreds of Aussies who are taking part in Stride4Stroke. It comes as data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that nearly two in every five Australian adults aged 18-64 do not meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity (37 per cent).
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa Murphy, says this is a concerning statistic.
“This equates to around 10.5 million Australians who are not getting the recommended amount of physical exercise. Being physically active is important for good health and wellbeing at any age, and is one of the most simple and effective ways you can reduce your risk of stroke.”
Dr Murphy is asking all Aussies to get moving this September to reduce their risk of stroke and other chronic conditions.
“Stride4Stroke gives Australians a simple and inclusive way to get moving, raise awareness and help create a future with fewer strokes. Whether you practice tai chi, run, swim, ride, stretch or take part in stroke recovery, every minute moved and every dollar raised makes a difference,” Dr Murphy said.
Stroke is one of Australia’s leading causes of death and disability, with around 46,000 stroke events experienced by Australians of all ages every year. That translates to one stroke every 11 minutes. The single biggest modifiable risk factor for stroke is high blood pressure, with high cholesterol, diabetes, excess weight and physical inactivity also risk factors.
“80 per cent of strokes are preventable, so the good news is you can lower your risk of stroke by making healthier changes in your life such as exercising regularly, quitting smoking, eating a healthy balanced diet and reducing your alcohol intake,” Dr Murphy said.
“You can stride anywhere, anytime, and in any way that gets you moving. Just 30 minutes of exercise five times a week can reduce your risk of stroke by 25 per cent; and every dollar raised goes towards vital stroke prevention, research, recovery programs and advocacy.”
Stride4Stroke 2026 is proudly supported by Australian Physiotherapy Association, Pure Australia and Precision Group.
