On a cold and fresh morning in Westport last Tuesday, February 22, along with over 30 participants, Mayo Sports Partnerships Activator Poles Walking Programme was officially launched.
Participants from all over Mayo will participate in this unique project to evaluate the benefits of Activator walking poles.
In Partnership with FitWalk Ireland and led by Sports Inclusion Development Officer for Mayo Sports Partnership, Ray McNamara, the programme was introduced to Mayo a number of years ago.
With Funding secured through The Dormant Accounts Innovation fund, Mayo Sports Partnership was able to plan and move forward with this programme.
As part of this week’s launch, along with a free set of Activator Poles, each person that signed up will receive an information booklet with links to support videos, and a programme diary to keep track of their activity.
Activators (walking with poles ) are particularly suitable for older adults; for those with low fitness levels, with balance concerns or mobility issues, with conditions such as arthritis, Parkinson’s Disease, multiple sclerosis, etc as well as those recovering from hip/knee surgery or breast cancer.
This project aims to evaluate the potential of Activator Poles to: increase your activity levels and improve your health, functional fitness, and physical independence.
Opening the event, Mayo Cllr Michael Loftus said: "Mayo Sports Partnership is delighted to launch this fantastic initiative. The success of the programme is already evident from the numbers here today in Westport. It is wonderful to see everyone out together enjoying this fantastic programme in such a beautiful setting, the success of which is down to you, leaders such as Edel and Cathal and to SIDO Ray McNamara and the Mayo Sports Partnership Team."
Mayo Sports Partnership Head Charlie Lambert added: "Throughout the pandemic the group in Westport participated in the Walking with Poles pilot programme on the wonderful Greenway. The impact of the programme on their positive mental and physical wellbeing is plain to see with all their happy faces. Well done to all and best of luck to all the 350 plus participants taking part in the initiative.
"In parallel to the official launch, our programme in Castlebar also took place. Led by their tutor, Sarah Keane, the Men’s Shed group enjoyed week-two of their programme."
To find out more, contact Ray McNamara at [email protected]. For more information on what events Mayo Sports Partnership are running in your area and how to get involved visit: https://www.mayo.ie/sportspartnership.
