Council launches Aqua Legends programme at Fermanagh Lakeland Forum and Omagh Leisure Complex

23rd August 2021

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Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has recently launched the “Aqua Legends” programme, an innovative free 12-week swimming programme aimed at the “over 60s” which will commence at Omagh Leisure Complex and Fermanagh Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen in September 2021.

The programme, which is funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA) as part of its Healthy Towns West Programme, under the Making Life Better framework of Empowering Healthy Living, consists of swim instruction and aqua based activities for those aged 60 years and over and will be facilitated by suitably qualified instructors.

“Aqua Legends” will commence on Tuesday 7 September 2021 at Omagh Leisure Complex at 12.10pm and Thursday 9 September 2021 at Fermanagh Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen at 12.30pm. Each session will last 40mins. Participants will be required to adhere to protocols and procedures in place at each centre in relation to COVID-19 whilst attending the programme and arrive pool ready.

Speaking about the “Aqua Legends” programme, Councillor Errol Thompson, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, said:

“Two key outcomes of the Fermanagh and Omagh 2030 Community Plan are to improve the wellbeing of all the people of the district and to help older people lead more independent and engaged lives. The Aqua Legends programme embraces both outcomes. In these most challenging times, being physically active is more important than ever for our health and wellbeing.

This programme has in previous years proved extremely popular and I am confident that it will once again attract significant interest.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is delighted to be, once again, working in partnership with the Public Health Agency to facilitate the Aqua Legends programme to encourage participation in water-based activity for those aged over 60.”

Colette Brolly, the PHA lead on physical activity, said;

“A great way to get active is to do something you like and that’s why this programme offers the opportunity to take part in an activity that you enjoy but might not have done in a number of years, or, if you’ve never given it a go, to try something new.

“In line with the recommendations in the Making Life Better Public Health Framework it’s important to be physically active at each stage of our lives and, combined with eating healthily, this can help us age well and feel good. Regular physical activity will help you feel better, boost your immune system, reduce anxiety and stress, build strength in your muscles and bones to improve your mobility, help improve your balance and improve your sleep.”

Availability on the programme at both venues is limited and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Programme registration is available at both Omagh Leisure Complex and Fermanagh Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen from Friday 27 August 2021.

All participants will be required to complete a pre-exercise questionnaire prior to participation on the programme. There is no cost to participants for the “Aqua Legends” programme.

For tips on getting active, making healthier food choices and advice on setting yourself targets, visit www.choosetolivebetter.com

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