To coincide with this year’s Operation Transformation the Mayo Sports Partnership made a call for communities, clubs, groups throughout the county to get involved in a five week activity campaign. More than 25 groups have registered with the partnership, with the campaign kicking off locally with the five Mayo Operation Transformation Walks in Ballina, Belmullet, Castlebar, Claremorris, and Westport on Saturday last.
While communities are coming together for a specific five week long Operation Transformation programme there are a lot of other programmes taking place which target beginners to physical activity. These programmes include Men on the Move (beginner programme which targets men aged 30 plus for physical activity ), Couch to 5k (beginner eight week programme to bring people from walking to jogging a 5k ), Fit Walk (five week indoor fitness walking programme ), Meet and Train/Fit4Life (caters for people who jog or run and is suited to all abilities ), Parkrun (weekly free timed 5k walks/runs ), Active 55 for Older People (balance/coordination exercise programme and games followed by cup of tea/coffee ).
All these programmes can be downloaded in the directory file which is available by logging on to www.mayosports.ie/news . “The response has been fantastic. People will be able to join activities in any of the 25 locations in Mayo, all that may be required is to contact any of the co-ordinator numbers given in the directory of programmes,” stated Mayo Sports Partnership co-ordinator Charlie Lambert.
In assisting groups with their five week programme Mayo Sports Partnership has developed some information resources on lifestyle, exercise, diet/nutrition, etc, and also some posters that communities can use to advertise their campaign locally.
Also available is a 21 day walking challenge card which people can use to record and monitor their progress during the campaign. The five week programme will culminate with 5k Fun Run/Walk in Ballina, Belmullet, Castlebar, Claremorris, and Westport on Saturday February 21. Even at this late stage if any other communities would like to join the initiative they can contact the Sports Partnership Office at (094 ) 9047025.
