Everyone gets active

Published 9 Sep 2010 10:52

East Ayrshire residents of all ages were getting fit and healthy this summer thanks to the Council’s Leisure Development Services.

A wide variety of activities designed to improve health and wellbeing were on offer throughout the summer for everyone from the very youngest to the oldest. Specially designed Messy Arts, Music & Movement and Fun Fitness activities were delivered weekly to encourage pre-school children and their parents or carers to get active and have fun playing together.

Councillor Kathy Morrice, Spokesperson for Improving Community Health and Wellbeing said: “The summer programme coupled with the work of our EA Positive Play team is all about capturing the imagination of children at the earliest stage, encouraging them and their parents to play together as a family and keeping them all active and healthy.”

The activities focused on parent and child play with the message that playing together is an important and positive part of family life that can have a lasting effect on children as they grow into adults.

Council Leader Douglas Reid experienced the early years fun fitness programme being delivered at St Sophia’s school in Galston and was impressed with the range of activities on offer: He said: “It’s great to be able to see some of the positive things going on in our communities and the impact that it has on our local people. All of the children had a great time, their parents and carers were joining in and going away with ideas for playing at home but most importantly this kind of simple play activity will help our children develop into healthy, independent adults in the future.”

Meanwhile, for those in the slightly older age bracket there were CHIP classes to suit all. Delivered throughout the area, older residents enjoyed taking part in chair based and easy aerobics as well as having fun trying the newest craze to get those hips moving - Zumba!

Councillor John MacKay, Spokesperson for Improving Community Health and Wellbeing visited one of classes in Crookedholm Community Centre. He said: “The people taking part in all of the CHIP classes over the summer really are role models. They prove that it’s never too late to look after your own health and so many of the people here have a story to tell about how this activity has improved their quality of life whether that’s just going about their daily business to actually getting out and about to meet new friends.”

Now that the summer is nearing its end, there’s a whole new programme of healthy activities available for the entire family. For more details about what’s on in your area from pre-five play to healthy walks and classes contact East Ayrshire’s Leisure Development Services team on 01563 576705.

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