Abbeyleix launched their own ‘Vitality Hub’ on April 29. The hub is for all members of the community to take part in fitness and sport in a non-competitive nature.
Speaking at the opening of the hub CEO of Laois Sports Partnership Caroline Myers said: ‘We are particularly interested in hearing from people who work with marginalised groups, people with disabilities, older people and members of the migrant community’.
Events that will take place in the hub include: Social Tennis with Abbeyleix tennis club, ‘Self care in the moment for women/Self care in the moment for men’, ‘Fitness for beginners’ with Fit Life Laois and ‘Zen Fem’ classes with Paula Byrne.
This hub is the 4th one of its kind in the county in association with Laois Sports Partnership.
Local trainers were on hand to talk with attendees and walk them through their classes on the opening day as Moez Toumi took dancers of all ages through their paces on the astro pitches.
Laurence Robertson showed participants the ropes of tennis while Stephen Hunter displayed the benefits of the outdoor exercise equipment.
Also in attendance on the day were Mary White and Robbie Quinn from the Gold Medal winning team of Abbeyleix Tidy Towns, Fiona Dunne from the Abbeyleix Bog Project along with Mark Clancy who was promoting these & other local “Green Gym” initiatives.
There was immense interest from the local community. The Vessey family were in attendance who granted a long term lease of 11 Acre Park to the populace of Abbeyleix at the beginning of the 20th century.
Vitality Hub said they are very grateful for all the local organisations who held stands at the event including St Lazarian’s Gaa Club, Abbeyleix AFC Soccer Club, Abbeyleix Tennis Club and Laois Hockey Club.
These clubs will be holding social sport programmes in addition to competitive games and urge the local people to take part.
Abbeyleix Vitality hub is hosting a ‘gentle cycle’ from Abbeyleix to Durrow with refreshments in Bob’s Bar on May 13.
They anticipate strong attendance from the local community.
They are also appealing to the locals for ideas on what courses to hold in the hub and hope particularly for ideas to include the youth, retired and migrant community. You can contact them at liz@abbeyleixvitalityhub.ie.
