OUR walking netball stars show how you can have fun and keep fit in a unique new way!
Walking netball is following walking football as an increasingly popular way of getting up and active, at any age – with our Community Sports Instructor Mel Dent putting participants through their paces.
“This is a really inclusive and social way to have fun, meet new people and get fit,” says Mel. “There is always someone new coming along and the great thing is you can join in on your own or with a friend.
“We are also looking at encouraging people to stay and have a coffee and a chat at the end of the sessions,” she adds.
And who did we find taking part. Well, one lady was district and Town Councillor and former Louth Mayor Jill Makinson-Sanders. “This is my first time here and I think it’s great – really good fun,” said Jill.
Another lady was GP practice nurse Ailsa Lewis. She said: “I always enjoyed playing netball and this is brilliant. And for people who do not think you will get enough exercise, think again. You work very hard, using both upper and lower body.
“It is really important for people to keep active as they get older, but this is also very good for the mind as you have to use co-ordination and think quickly,” added Ailsa.
Former Leisure Centre manager Liz Prestwood was a well-known face at Meridian and the old swimming pool for 34 years, and now returns to keep fit herself. “It is the social side of coming that is so good, as well as the keeping fit, which we all need to do,” said Liz.
The sessions are part of the Get Out Get Active programme (GOGA), which is led by the English Federation of Disability Sport, which receives funding from Spirt of 2012, supporting more people to lead active and healthier lifestyles together.
Active Lincolnshire, in partnership with Magna Vitae, are delivering GOGA activities across East Lindsey with walking netball sessions running every Tuesday at Meridian Leisure Centre from 1pm until 2pm and at Skegness Academy on Monday evenings between 5pm and 5.45pm. For more information and how to book click here.
