by Gráinne Connolly
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has launched an innovative swimmimg programme aimed at the “over 60s”.
The ‘Aqua Legends’ programme will commence at Omagh Leisure Complex and Fermanagh Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen in January 2018.
The free 12-week programme which consists of swim instruction and aqua based activities for those aged 60 years and over will be facilitated by appropriately qualified instructors and is funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA) as part of its Healthy Towns West Programme.
Speaking about the forthcoming programme, the Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Stephen McCann, said:
"Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is once again delighted to be working in partnership with the PHA to deliver this programme to encourage participation in water based activity.
"Leading an active lifestyle is vital for physical and mental health and wellbeing. I encourage prospective participants to give a friend, neighbour or family member a call and encourage them to sign up to unique programme.”
Collette 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 is so fantastic as you have the opportunity to take part in an activity that you enjoy but might not have done in a number of years, or to try something new.
“57% of women here are overweight or obese and it’s important to take positive steps to address this.
"It’s important to stay active right throughout our lives, as being physically active can have the positive benefits of; helping maintain your weight, reducing the risk of developing chronic conditions including some cancers and Type 2 diabetes, as well as reducing anxiety and stress.”
Availability on each programme is limited and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
All participants will be required to complete a pre-exercise questionnaire and participation on the programme is free of charge.
For further information and to register, participants should contact the relevant leisure centre.
For tips on getting active, making healthier food choices and advice on setting yourself targets, visit www.choosetolivebetter.com