Disability Sport Fife (DSF) is working with the well-established and highly respected “Bums off Seats” programme, plus national partner Paths for All, to introduce health walks to the DSF programme of weekly sessions. DSF hopes to promote and encourage member organisations and individual athletes to take advantage of Bums off Seats local health walks that are currently available across Fife to all sections of the community.
This initiative is part of the Get Out and Get Active (GOGA) programme that DSF has signed up to with support from Scottish Disability Sport and Spirit of 2012. GOGA in Fife will inspire inactive children, young people and adults with a physical, sensory or learning disability, plus significant others, to access and enjoy active recreation inclusively. GOGA in Fife is inclusive in ethos and practice and will involve Disability Sport Fife key partners.
On behalf of GOGA in Fife, Vivienne McNiven from Active Fife tutored a third Walk Leaders Training Course at the Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre on Wednesday 23rd May. The overall plan is to identify a group of local people over the age of 18 who are trained to promote and lead inclusive health walks on an ongoing basis. A health walk is a short, local walk usually lasting between 30 and 60 minutes and ½ to 2½ miles long. Once trained, the attendees will join a network of over 6000 volunteers throughout the UK. The training is recognised by the British Heart Foundation National Centre for Physical Activity and Health.
In attendance at the most recent GOGA in Fife walk leaders course were representatives from West Fife Community Support Services, Auchmuty HS, Fife Cultural Trust, Fife Council Social Work Department etc. All attendees are committed to leading inclusive walks and/or encouraging inactive individuals with disabilities to be active. The most recent GOGA in Fife “walk in the park” attended by over 50 participants with severe and complex needs and their buddies is a clear indication that, offered the opportunity, there is a willingness among many to be active.
Richard Brickley MBE – President Disability Sport Fife