Sean Atkinson is a Geelong-based sports management professional and passionate advocate for Parkinson’s awareness, currently serving as an ambassador for A Walk in the Park 2026. As the Commercial Partnerships and Communications Manager at AFL Barwon, Sean has built a career centred on connection, community engagement, and meaningful storytelling—skills he now channels into raising awareness for a cause deeply personal to him.
In 2023, at just 36 years old, Sean was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. With no family history, genetic link, or prior health concerns, the diagnosis came as a complete shock. Like many, he had believed Parkinson’s was something that only affected older people. His experience reflects a lesser-known reality: a significant proportion of those living with Parkinson’s are under the age of 50.
Since his diagnosis, Sean has become a committed voice for the Parkinson’s community. As an ambassador he is dedicated to increasing awareness, supporting research, and challenging misconceptions about the disease. He works to highlight the complexity of Parkinson’s, which extends far beyond visible symptoms to include cognitive, emotional, and physical challenges.
Sean actively encourages community involvement through initiatives such as A Walk in the Park in Melbourne and Geelong, bringing people together to show support and drive awareness. He also engages with national conversations, attending events like the Parkinson’s Australia National Conference to stay informed about the latest research and advancements. He has also taken part in numerous clinical trials in his bid to help support research into finding ways to treat Parkinson’s.
Determined not to let Parkinson’s define him, Sean continues to approach life with resilience and purpose. Through his advocacy, he is helping to build a more informed and supportive community, while contributing to the broader effort to improve outcomes and, ultimately, find a cure.