A new programme which aims to help change the lives of older people living with long-term conditions has been launched
Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland hosted the first of its monthly hub events at Calderglen Sports Hub (CSH) in partnership with South Lanarkshire Leisure and CSH.
The two-year project is among 17 projects to benefit from the Changing Lives Through Sport and Physical Activity fund. delivered by the Scottish Government, sportscotland, Spirit of 2012 and The Robertson Trust. The aim of the £1m programme is to change lives and create a more inclusive and healthier nation.
Vision
Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland is building on its vision to provide inclusive physical activity opportunities for isolated older adults, some of whom live with long-term conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease and depression. Each hub event will be open to the wider community as well as Sporting Memories club members and their families and carers.
The pilot event in East Kilbride featured sporting reminiscence activities followed by a physical activity session delivered by volunteers from Calderglen Harriers and local young people.
Activities included fun, inclusive games that are designed to support the exercises taking place in weekly groups designed to reduce the risk of falls and injury.
Chris Wilkins, co-founder of Sporting Memories, said: “Our clubs and groups aim to improve the lives of isolated older people living with long-term mental and physical conditions and we hope that through our monthly hub events we can re-engage older adults with sports they once enjoyed in their local community.
“We are delighted to have the support of South Lanarkshire Leisure and Calderglen Sports Hub, as well as the Changing Lives Through Sport and Physical Activity fund. We hope this project will grow considerably over the next two years and that many older people in the community will embrace the opportunity and become more physically active again.”
Chair of sportscotland, Mel Young, said: “We see time and again that sport has the power to change lives and being physically active is one of the best things we can do for our physical and mental health.
“At sportscotland we believe sport should enable anyone to play, regardless of age, ability or where you come from. We strive to ensure sport is at the heart of society in Scotland and makes a lasting and positive impact on people and communities.
“It’s great to see such a good example of that in The Sporting Memories Foundation, South Lanarkshire Leisure and Calderglen Sports Hub event. This project is showing that sport and physical activity can make a meaningful difference to the lives of older people.”
