Swimming, kayaking and yoga among events for HER Outdoors Week

If you’re a woman who likes outdoor exercise and would like some help to get motivated, Westmeath Sports Partnership have something for you this month.

They’re organising ‘HER Outdoors Week’ from August 12 to August 18, and on the line-up are events such as ‘Pilates and Dip’ at Lough Owel, ‘SUP Yoga’ at Lough Ennell, a pitch and putt taster at Kilbeggan and tasters for kayaking, orienteering and mountain biking in various locations around the county.

Some events are free, some have a €2 charge and some are priced at €10 or €15, and one is €20 (‘Women on Wheels’, on the Old Rail Trail, Mullingar on Tuesday 13th at 6.30pm).

Note that the €20 fee and the €15 charge for activator poles sessions on the Old Rail Trail and at Dún an Sí, Moate are the full cost of ongoing programmes.

In a statement, Westmeath Sports Partnership (WSP) said HER Outdoors Week aims to encourage more females to get out and enjoy the benefits of being in the outdoors while bringing visibility to the opportunities for females to get involved in outdoor physical activity.

This promises to be the biggest Her Outdoors Week ever as WSP, in conjunction with community groups and sports clubs across the county, support almost 30 events across the week, many of them free to take part in.

Here is a sample of some of the classes and programmes scheduled to take place:

• Early Morning Stretch and Dip at Lough Owel in association with Midland Tri Club on Monday, August 12

• Come and Try Kayaking at Ballynacargy Harbour with Cara Phort Family Resource Centre on Tuesday, August 13

•Come And Try Orienteering, Athlone Regional Sports Centre, Brawny Road, Athlone, Wednesday, August 14, 12:30pm to 2:30pm

• Outdoor Yoga and Tai Chi in Mullingar Town Park on Wednesday, August 14

•Outdoor Tai Chi For Women - Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park Lake Road, Knockdomney, Moate, Friday, August 16, 11am to12pm

Come and Try Mountain Biking in Mullaghmeen Forest on Saturday, August 17

• Boxercise in Mullingar Town Park on Sunday, August 18.

WSP coordinator Tony Wheat said: "We’re thrilled to invite all females in our community to join us for HER Outdoors Week. It’s a fantastic opportunity to try something new, enjoy the beauty of our county, and experience the many benefits of outdoor activities.

"Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced enthusiast, there’s something for everyone."

WSP are also supporting several free events at their Community Sports Hub at the Athlone Regional Sports Centre during HER Outdoors Week, including Come and Try sessions of Pickleball, Activator Poles and Petanque. Check out www.athlonersc.ie for more details.

You will find a full schedule of events, more information, and how to register for activities at https://www.westmeathsports.ie/events/