Phoenix soccer star talks of asthma woes

Wellington Phoenix FC star defender Jon McKain has spoken of his struggle with asthma when he was younger and has urged Wellingtonians to get behind tomorrow’s Balloon Day street appeal in Wellington by the Asthma Foundation.


“As a kid there were times when my asthma caused a great deal of anxiety for me and my family. Whenever I took part in sport or anything physical it was always something that was in the back of my mind and as a result I understand how asthma can put a lot of kids off getting out there and getting active.


“Fortunately my parents and I worked hard to control my asthma and I didn’t let it stop me from achieving the things I wanted.”


Jon, a former Socceroo, who earlier this year signed up for another two years at the ‘Nix“ and played a key role in Phoenix FC’s unprecedented success in the Hyundai A League finals last season, says asthma is a huge issue and he wants the people of Wellington to join him in doing something about it.


“About 1 in 4 kids in New Zealand have asthma. That’s a lot of lives that can be limited by this condition, and a lot of worried parents. That is without even considering the 1 in 6 adults who have it.”


“Asthma can be dangerous, painful and scary and I say to Wellingtonians let’s kick asthma to the back of the net, in fact right out of the park.”





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For more information: Asthma Foundation Communications Manager, Malcolm Aitken on 027 62 52 835.