Since the beginning of lockdown a wide programme of online activities has been on offer through Council’s digital platforms, but next week sees a return to activities at a number of venues across Derry and Strabane, as well as an extended online programme.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Brian Tierney, said he was delighted to see the return of the popular programme.
“The team behind the Everybody Active Programme have been working really hard to come up with new ways to promote health and fitness at this very challenging time.
“The new programme offers a wide range of outdoor and online activities which will appeal to all ages and levels of fitness.
“Council’s summer camps are always a huge hit with the youngsters and I know the new sports camps will prove just as popular.
“For the older generation the Everybody Active 50+ Fitness Programme will offer a range of activities geared towards setting new goals and getting back into a healthy fitness regime.
“Lots of families have been looking for ways to get fit together during lockdown and I hope they will continue to enjoy activities as a family as restrictions ease slightly.
“It’s so important in terms of both our mental and physical health to stay active and feeling good about ourselves, especially at the moment.
“I would encourage everyone to check out the new programme and see what it has to offer.”
Highlights of the programme will include the return of the Everybody Active 50+ programme, the EBA cycle and EBA Walk jog/run programmes.
The EBA Disability Hub will also return with inclusive cycle sessions, delivered in partnership with DSNI.
These will be small group sessions taking place outside on the Foyle Arena site.
All sessions must be booked in advance, either online or by phone.
The Sports Development team are currently working with partners in planning a return to the Macmillan Move More and PARS as well as further sports development programmes in September.
All the activities will be delivered in line with the guidance around social distancing and the health and safety of staff and the public is paramount.
Council’s phased approach to reopening its leisure facilities has also been progressing with the return of classes and gym sessions at four of its main leisure centres – Foyle Arena, Templemore Sports Complex and the Riversdale and Derg Valley Leisure Centres.
Over 50 classes are now on offer with a number of restrictions in place for gym users.
Work is also at an advanced stage to reopen Leisure & Sport artificial pitches for constituted organisations from Monday 17 August, Derry City and Strabane District Council has confirmed.
An open call for block bookings is now open for organisations to book their training slots directly and to ensure compliance with all current guidelines.
Closing date for bookings is Friday August 14 at 12 noon.
For more information on the Everybody Active Programme and all the progress to date in resuming leisure services, as well as advice for users regarding the new rules around social distancing at leisure facilities www.derrystrabane.com/sportsdevelopment
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