Active age Sports Festival a resounding success in Mayo

Over 110 enthusiastic participants gathered at Castlebar Mitchels GAA Club for the Active Age Sports Festival, a free event aimed at promoting physical activity among older adults in a fun and inclusive environment.

Organised by Mayo Sports Partnership, the festival featured a vibrant mix of activities including Pétanque, Sit Fit, Pickleball, and Activator Poles, with 30-minute “come and try” sessions both indoors and outdoors at An Sportlann. The event was widely promoted across social media, local radio, newspapers, and through direct invitations to Active Age groups and Men’s Sheds across the county.

The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter, movement, and community spirit. Participants enjoyed not only the physical activities but also the warm hospitality, with tea, sandwiches, and chats rounding off the day.

“Age is just a number,” said one participant: Margo O’Shea, Ballinrobe Active Age, aged 84 said “Exercise and Activators are so important to me and so much fun. Frank is a breath of fresh air. My advice? Have a chat with yourself every morning to get off your backside and do something active!”

With 10% of attendees over the age of 80 and a growing number of male participants, the festival highlighted the importance of accessible and enjoyable physical activity for all.

Kate Feehan, Sports Development Officer with Mayo Sports Partnership, shared: “It was a great day with a fantastic turnout. Activity is so important to this age group, and it’s vital to share skills and ideas on how to stay active. Hopefully, many will continue with the activities introduced today.”

Special thanks were extended to Edel Reilly (Sit Fit Activity), Frank Fahy (FitWalk Ireland), Esb, Pétanque and Pickleball Clubs, Mayo Volunteer Centre, Castlebar Mitchels GAA, and all the tutors, clubs, organisations, and MSP staff who made the day possible. Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

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