OT walks taking place in Mayo this Saturday

WARMING UP Pictured are some of the walkers participating in a warm-up before setting off a previous Operation Transformation Walk on the Westport Greenway. Pic: Conor McKeown

ARE you looking to get more active in 2017? Do you need some support? RTÉ’s Operation Transformation is once again joining forces locally with the Mayo Sports Partnership to encourage people to become more physically active in 2017. A number of walks will take place across the country on Saturday, January 7 with Mayo walks taking place in Ballina, Ballyhaunis, Belmullet, Castlebar, Claremorris, Kiltimagh and Westport.
The walks, either three or five km in length will be led by suitable instructors who will be on hand guide participants through the walk and also to give advice about follow on programmes etc. Details of the events are in the advert below.
“Here in Mayo Sports Partnership we are aware of the challenges that people encounter when they are thinking of getting more active. The Operation Transformation National Walks Day is a perfect starting point for beginners as most people that turn up on the day do so for recreational and social reasons. There are no winners or losers at these events,” said Mayo Sports Partnership Coordinator, Charlie Lambert.    
Mayo Sports Partnership and local organisers such as Ballina Athletic Club, Ballyhaunis Sports Network, Erris Community Health Forum and Westport Leisure Park are encouraging people of all age groups to turn out on the day.
In all the events there is no cost involved, participants are asked to wear loose clothing and to bring some water. Further information on Operation Transformation can be viewed at www.rte.ie/ot/
Details of Mayo Sports Partnerships follow-on five week initiative ‘Operation Get Active Mayo’ involving numerous communities and groups throughout the county will be promoted at www.mayosports.ie and also in local media. Other Mayo Sports Partnership programmes such as Men on the Move, Couch to 5K, Meet and Train, Fit Walk, Parkrun, Active 55 etc will also form part of this countywide call. To register for the walks or to get further information on any of the above contact Mayo Sports Partnership at 094 9047025 or email msp@mayococo.ie.

Operation Transformation Tourmakeady kicks-off
POPULAR Partry Parish Priest, Fr John Kenny, has decided to ditch the catwalk and is again going walking the high  roads, low roads and hills of Tourmakeady in his bid this year to enhance the lives of his parishioners, by getting them fitter, happier, healthier and more involved in the community.
Having had probably the most successful Operation Transformation group (the group that weighed and prayed together) in Ireland in 2016 they made headlines and were followed closely by the show Operation Transformation  on RTÉ, they lost over 50 stone and walked over 15,000 kms, whilst having great fun and developing friendships.
As such a large amount of  people are expected to take part in Operation Transformation Tourmakeady 2017, which will take place at Halla Tuar Mhic Eadaigh this evening, Tuesday, January 3 at 7pm, with registration, weigh and a walk.
You can do it for free, for fun, or in support of any charitable group or organisation you want to help.
Operation Transformation Tourmakeady 2017 are looking for leaders and teams to compete with each other from all local organisiations or groups. As in 2016, there will be a forfeit for the losing team… Watch out!
Walks will then continue Monday to Friday at 7pm, with other organised activities to be announced. As well as this  event,  Fr John has been involved  in many worthwhile charities and causes for various charities and organisations over many years.