The Mayor Councillor Brenda Stevenson with Derry City Council staff who successfully took part in a council initiative ‘Couch to 5K’ and a 12 weeks to Christmas pounds away programme.
Staff at Derry City Council will certainly be looking forward to cracking open the Quality Street this Christmas, following the completion of the popular ‘Pounds Away’ health programme which has been running over the past 12 weeks.
More than 100 staff members have undertaken a series of personal weight loss and fitness challenges, as well as receiving advice and nutritional information to support them from Council’s Sports Development team.
Weekly weigh ins were carried out in Strand Road, Skeoge Depot, Guildhall, Complex, the Shared Future Centre and Shantallow Community Centre throughout the 12 weeks, and participants received regular blogs to assist them in their endeavours.
Mayor of Derry Councillor Brenda Stevenson has praised the efforts of all involved.
“I would like to congratulate all those who took part in what has been an extremely enjoyable and valuable programme in terms of promoting health and well being among council employees,” she declared.
“Many people have seen some great results from the programme which they’ve found both challenging and enjoyable, and I know all those taking part will experience a real sense of achievement after the final weigh in. I would like to thank our Sports Development team for all their hard work and support in delivering the programme, in particular Tommy McCallion, who led the fitness campaign over the 12 weeks.”
Sports Development officer with Derry City Council Tommy McCallion, said he was impressed by the number of staff who committed to the scheme.
“It’s been great to promote and develop workplace health programmes for the staff in Derry City Council. Over the last few months over 100 members of staff have taken on our ‘pounds away’ programme and the couch to 5k programme.
“We have had so many successes with the programme in terms of weight loss but what has been most noteworthy is the good natured banter that has begun among the staff taking part. In many ways it helps to improve staff relations as well as improve physical and mental health.
“Our own Sports Development Coaches Eddie McCallion, Sean Hargan and John-Paul Glenn have been invaluable in providing the support and motivation that has made the event such a success. I look forward to bigger and better programmes in 2015.”
As a result of the Couch to 5k programme over 40 participants completed the Derry City Park Run and over 20 completed the Foyle Hospice Santa Run on behalf of the Foyle Hospice at the weekend.
Tags:
