GO FOR LIFE Launch of Increasing Physical Activity for Over 55s initiative

Irish Sports Council CEO John Treacy launched an exciting new project to promote physical activity among people aged 55+ in the Westport , Newport and Louisburgh areas of Co Mayo recently.

The project, titled  “Be Active 55”, aims to make leisure centres in Westport cheaper, easier to use and a friendlier place for people aged 55+. Leisure centres in Westport have put together a programme of activities at a reduced cost and will include ‘come and try’ activities such as mobilisers, fun fit, social activities, movement for life, balance games and much more. You will meet new people and have a bit of fun while taking some exercise.

Speaking at the well attended launch John Treacy highlighted the importance of physical activity as one gets older and the health and social benefits it brings:

"Making facilities more accessible for older people to use is the message that this initiative is bringing to us all.” he stated.

Highlighting the example of Dr. Mick Loftus as an example of somebody still running in his late seventies he said that barriers to participation can be surmounted if the will is there. Dr. Loftus also addressed the attendees and complimented the Partnership approach to the initiative by the Mayo Sports Partnership, H.S.E.,the participating Leisure Centres and emphasized the message of prevention rather than cure. Other speakers at the launch included Mayor of Westport Councillor Declan Dever, Sports Co-ordinator Charlie Lambert and Deputy Michael Ring.

MC for the event and Manager of Westport Leisure Park Dermot Langan proceeded to demonstrate a sample of activities which would be included in the 8 week programme.

You can get involved by contacting any of the participating leisure centres below quoting the "Be Active 55" slogan. The project will begin with a "Come and Try it" week commencing on the 7th April at nominated venues & days below. This will be followed by a timetabled programme of activities which will take place over an eight week period.

Why not give it a try!

 Mondays 11am-1pm The Park Inn Hotel Mulrany- 098 36000

 Tuesdays 10.30am-12pm Hotel Westport Leisure Centre- 098 50006

 Wednesdays 11.30am-1.30pm Westport Leisure Park- 098 29160

 Fridays 11am-1pm  The Beech Club Woods Hotel -098 29301

For Further Information:

Mayo Sports Partnership at 094-9047025 or the Health Promotion Services of the HSE at 094 9042589.