Knowsley’s very own older Olympians have been stretching, toning and playing games in local town centres to recruit more budding sports stars for this year’s third annual Older People’s Fun Olympics.
Eager senior Olympic hopefuls donned their tracksuits and trainers last week and set up mini training sessions on the streets of Huyton, Prescot and Kirkby to encourage older residents in Knowsley to get active and sign up to this year’s Older People’s Fun Olympics which takes place on 1st October at Halewood Leisure Centre.
Organised by Knowsley’s Leisure and Cultural Services, four weekly training sessions are held across the borough to help improve the health and wellbeing of local people over 50 and ensure they are getting into shape for the big event and beyond.
On the day, four teams are set to go head to head in a series of events representing Huyton, Halewood, Kirkby and Whiston and in true Olympic style, each will have their own customised anthem which will be played for the team which emerges victorious on the day.
The one day event will see the teams battling it out in traditional sporting activities such as badminton, table tennis, netball and football, as well as some more quirky events such as Jenga, welly throwing, Scrabble and interactive dance mat games.
Cllr. Eddie Connor, Knowsley Council’s cabinet member for Leisure, Community and Culture said: “Last year’s training sessions and big event were a resounding success with more than 100 people taking part. We are keen to ensure this year’s is even better and we have introduced new events such as new age curling and organised some great old school games.
“It has been proven that physical activity and friendships are good for your health which is why we organise initiatives such as this which support Knowsley’s priorities to bring residents together as a community and improve the health and wellbeing of older people.”
The training sessions which are held in the run up to the Olympics and throughout the year cost just £1 each and take place at:
- Halewood Leisure Centre, Thursdays, 10.30-12pm
- Huyton Leisure Centre, Thursdays, 1-3pm
-Kirkby Leisure Centre, Wednesdays, 1-4pm
- Whiston Willis School, Thursdays, 1-3pm
These sessions will continue after the Olympics event to encourage local people to continue to stay active and involved in their local community.
For more information please contact Michelle Gilmurray on 0151 443 5894 or email michelle.gilmurray@knowsley.gov.uk.
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