Let’s Go Powys aims to help us be more active

Let’s Go Powys aims to help us be more active

A new project – the first of its kind in the county – entitled Let’s Go Powys was launched by Welsh Sports Association (WSA) member Powys County Council last week, and it is hoped it will help people across the region be more active.

Let’s Go Powys / Amdani Powys is designed to make it easier for people to find sports and activity opportunities across the county. The website offers plenty of inspiration, for adults of all ages and abilities, from walking netball to kayaking to cycling and wheelchair basketball.

It has been created in response to a county-wide survey conducted by Sport Powys which revealed that residents said it was difficult to find varied physical activities across the county.

Elin Wozencraft from Sport Powys explains: “It was clear from the survey feedback from residents that having one website to find and share activities was very much needed. Let’s Go Powys offers everyone – residents and visitors – an opportunity to easily find enjoyable activities which are right for them.

“The website has also been designed so that health professionals can support people to boost their health and wellbeing by signposting them to activities and sessions.”

Activity providers across Powys are taking advantage of the free marketing opportunity to list groups and clubs, sessions and venues. And Powys County Council is encouraging all providers across the county to visit the website to list their opportunities. In the future, local walking and cycling routes will also be added to the website.

Let’s Go Powys features an activity finder so that people can search the website for opportunities in their area and by activity type.

Cllr Richard Church, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a Safer Powys, said:

“We have so many wonderful, inclusive activities that take place week in, week out across Powys. There really is something for everyone and I’m thrilled that we’re able to showcase them so that more people across our county can enjoy the benefits of moving and being active.”

The website also includes a series of case studies of individuals who have benefited from finding a sport or activity near them in Powys.

Phil Tovey, 75, discovered Walking Rugby in 2019 and set up a team at Crickhowell Rugby Club. He gets the same buzz from the sport now as he did when he was much younger:

“You don’t need to have played rugby before, as walking rugby is for everyone,” he said. “It’s almost like the rugby we used to play; the buzz is the same, the enjoyment of helping your team, using your skills and the camaraderie. It’s like turning the clock back.”

His advice anyone considering walking rugby is: “Just turn up and try it. You won’t be intimidated and you’ll be accepted.”

Wanting to escape the “monotony cycle of work and home”, Peter Tyler took up archery with Cambrian Archers at Llanwrtyd Wells.

“Initially I just wanted to practise and refine a new skill, as it helps me with focusing, adjusting and patience but, as I attended the club every week, I became friends with all the members and helped out with the setting up and packing of the equipment.

“Slowly I became even more involved, my confidence grew and now I am one of the club’s core members and I’ve met so many amazing people from all walks of life, both old and young.

“Archery is an incredibly satisfying sport and very rewarding. The community around it is open and friendly with warm people willing to help out.”

Busy mum Fen Prior-Smith from Presteigne first took up yoga as a university student.

“Yoga was the thing that I felt was really me,” explained Fenn. “I was never into sports much but once I started yoga, I loved the opportunity to do exercise that wasn’t competitive.

“Yoga brings me a sense of calm. Now I’m a mum of young twins, I find making the time to do yoga is so important for both my flexibility and strength, but also my wellbeing. You leave class feeling completely relaxed.”

Kevin Hughes from Llanwrtyd Wells had always fancied paddleboarding and kayaking and joined open taster sessions at the Paddle Club run by The Boathouse at Llandrindod Wells with his children in Isla and Charlie.

“They gave me the opportunity to have a go and I have paddled regularly ever since,” he said. “I get to spend time with my children doing something we all enjoy. It’s great for my wellbeing, particularly after a difficult day’s work. It can be very calming and brings you close to nature.”

His advice to other would be paddleboarders is: “If you don’t mind getting wet, go for it! The Paddle Club at Llandrindod Wells makes the perfect setting to give paddle sports a go. Conditions are controlled, they accommodate all abilities and the staff / club members are all so welcoming.”

Liza Brown loved netball during her school days and decided to take up the sport again in her 70s with Machynlleth Walking Netball group, who meet at Bro Dyfi Leisure Centre every Friday morning:

“The group is suitable for anyone and you can do as much or as little as you like and rest if you need to,” she said. “You don’t have to have played netball before, so give it a try – you may find you enjoy it too.

“We are a friendly and inclusive group, with a wide age range and a variety of abilities and disabilities. I find it an excellent way to get some different exercise from walking, which is my usual way of keeping fit.

“It uses different muscles and can get me out of breath sometimes. I have also met new people and made new friends.”

Ardleen’s Emma Matthews joined Border Biking Belles at Welshpool when it was formed, initially encouraged by a friend to tag along and borrow a bicycle.

“After the first ride, which was hard work, I was determined to improve,” she said. “I’ve got fitter, I’ve made new friends, I’ve learnt more about the area I live in and I’ve done challenges I had never imagined doing before.

“Come along and give it a try. The Belles are a friendly group and no one gets left behind.”

Welshpool’s Bethan Evans says she’s never looked back since joining the Pilates group in Guilsfield, which helps her to de-stress and make new friends.

“As I felt that my menopause was affecting my wellbeing, I needed to decrease my stress levels,” she explained. “Pilates is known to decrease stress.

“Pilates is a low impact exercise, suitable for all ages and abilities, it strengthens your core, improves flexibility, posture and balance and tones muscle that can protect the body from injuries .

“The beauty of Pilates is it’s a whole body exercise, anyone can join and you don’t need to be fit, thin, young and flexible. Just give it a go because it’s so beneficial.”

Amy Head got into wheelchair basketball with N-ABLE at Maldwyn Leisure Centre, Newtown and loves being able to meet up with friends of all abilities to play sport together and refresh her mind after studying.

“It’s an inclusive and safe space for everyone,” she said. “I would definitely recommend giving it ago as it’s an unique opportunity to meet new people and try new things. The volunteers are friendly and will help with any issues and help you settle in if you’re anxious.”

Find the Sport Powys website here.