A new charity programme has been launched in Portadown to help people get healthy by Christmas.
When it comes to getting into shape, there’s often much talk of ‘New Year’s Resolutions,’ and ‘New Year, new me,’ with many opting to get the festive period over and done with before taking any action.
This phenomenon has prompted local charity group Powered By Sport to ask the question: “Why wait till the New Year to kick start a healthy routine?’
Formed in 2010, the charity’s purpose is to use sport and physical activity to positively impact mental, physical and emotional wellbeing in society.
On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, they launched a brand-new ‘Get Health For Christmas’ programme, which will run for seven weeks in the build-up to Christmas.
The Rink Sports Arena and Multipurpose Centre, outside Portadown, will be open every Wednesday and Thursday from 12pm to 2pm, for free access to Pickleball, Badminton and Table Tennis.
Powered By Sport CEO, Stephen Lynch, commented: “We want to give everyone an opportunity to get active this side of Christmas, and we hope our new ‘Get Health For Christmas’ programme will inspire people to take 30 minutes out of their day to have a bit of fun and get their heart rates up a bit through a range of activities including Pickleball, Badminton or Table Tennis.
“It is open to everyone to take part, but we especially want to get the word out to local businesses to encourage them to send their team out to get fit together. Regular short burst exercise is proven to not just boast the body and mind but also productivity.”
He added: “We are providing a service to the community where we are encouraging people to bring their packed lunch with them and have 30 minutes of fun together for free. This is a pilot programme and if it proved popular we would certainly consider continuing it in 2025.
“Healthy habits are sometimes difficult to form, but we hope this service can benefit the community to establish them and then maintain them in 2025.”
Free 30-minute slots are available to book now via the website www.therink.co.uk.
