Head to St. Finbarr’s Sports and Social Club in Coventry for a fun day out with the family on 22 July and see Ambassador Dan Mulhall try his skills at walking football.
The event sees Irish in Britain team up with St. Finbarr’s Sports and Social Club and Sky Blues for the fourth year running to recognise Irish people above 50 participating in the sport, which improves their health and wellbeing.
Since social isolation and depression are linked to dementia in older age, this sport is one method used in the Cuimhne approach to addressing these needs in the Irish community. There are now three sessions with 120 people engaged in the sport from Coventry and Warwickshire.
The sport helps people maintain an active lifestyle and is a calmer version of football where running is forbidden. Both men and women take part regardless of their ability.
Walking football is seen as a great way for people to keep fit, learn skills, have fun and socialise. It’s also an opportunity to get people playing football again. Participants have developed new friendships and have reported reduced loneliness, increased weekly physical activity and reduced weight. Many have also said they feel younger and happier.
On top of what we know about the onset of dementia, we also know that cardiovascular disease is most prevalent among Irish men, which is said to increase the risk of vascular dementia according to Alzheimer’s Society.
Join us to support and encourage everyone involved to continue to participate in activities that improve their health. The event is also an opportunity to meet a range of health providers and get your questions answered.
10am Saturday 22 July, St. Finbarr’s Sports and Social Club, 303 Holbrook Lane, Holbrooks, Coventry, CV6 4DG.
Get in touch if you would like older Irish people in your community to take part in this or a similar activity.
Hire a stall
We’re looking for health providers and community organisations to hire a stall at the event to spread awareness about important health issues and services available. We’re also happy for local sellers to hire a stall where 10% of proceeds on the day is donated to the Cuimhne project.
Please get in touch by email at comms@irishinbritain.org or call us on 020 3903 0994.