Council launches New Year Inclusive Leisure Programme

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is rolling out an inclusive leisure programme which will take place at Omagh Leisure Complex in the New Year.

The free programme, which will include low impact activities, is funded by the Public Heath Agency (PHA) as part of the Healthy Towns West Programme and has been organised by the Council to help encourage more people in the district to lead more active lifestyles.

Sports and activities on offer will include Chi-Me, which involves controlled breathing and relaxation with slow, gentle movements, chair based exercises and boccia-a game similar to bowls and pétanque.

All activities on the inclusive leisure programme are suitable for people with limited mobility and can be played or undertaken in a seated or standing position.

This inclusive leisure programme will begin on Wednesday 9th January 2019 at Omagh Leisure Complex at 12:30pm. All sessions will last one hour and will be facilitated by a fully qualified instructor.

Speaking about the inclusive leisure programme, Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Howard Thornton, said;

“Fermanagh and Omagh District Council recognises and promotes the benefits of leading an active lifestyle which is one of the key themes of the Fermanagh and Omagh Community Plan and is delighted to work in partnership with the PHA to provide this opportunity to our residents.

The inclusive leisure programme has been specifically designed to help people who have limited mobility or who find taking exercise difficult get active and promote positive health and well-being.”

Colette Brolly, the PHA lead on physical activity said;

“Participation in physical activity, sport and exercise is great for both body and mind. It helps maintain a healthy weight and protect against heart disease, some cancers and type 2 diabetes. Physical activity also helps with our sleep patterns and can improve our mental health by reducing stress.

These leisure programmes are a great way to get active, even if you haven’t been taking part in regular physical activity for a while, as they are designed specifically so anyone can take part and enjoy”.

The inclusive leisure programme is suitable for people aged 18 years and over and participation is free. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

For further information and to register, please visit the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Website at www.fermanaghomagh.com or contact Billie-Jo Irwin on 0300 303 1777, textphone 028 8225 6216 or email billie-jo.irwin@fermanaghomagh.com