Who are the oldest sports people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland?

Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport is looking to answer that question whilst celebrating this year’s Active Ageing Week, which takes place between September 20th and 26th.

A great range of activities and events to encourage adults aged 50 and over to move more has been scheduled from September 27th to October 3rd.

A celebration, recognising the achievements of the region’s oldest competitive athletes and physical activity participants will be the highlight of the week, with participants recognised in two award categories; ‘Oldest Competitive Athlete’ and ‘Oldest Physical Activity Participant’.

National Sporting Governing Bodies such as England Netball and physical activity projects, including Active Together, Leicester City’s 3×30 Pledge, Active Rutland and Walking for Health are looking to identify the oldest sports people from across Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland.

In addition to identifying athletes from these programmes, Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport also want to throw this question open to the public…

Do you think you could be the county’s oldest athlete or participant in a particular sport or activity? Maybe you know of someone else who fits the bill? If so, please contact Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport with details.

Earlier this year John Walford, aged 91 from Lutterworth was recognised as one of Leicestershire and Rutland’s oldest swimmers. Swimmers from across the region proved themselves as the genuine ‘golden generation’ and were awarded at a celebration held at Loughborough University. Other senior citizens acknowledged included 97-year-old Pat Ward, 89-year-old George Kirk and Alan Woods and Norman Hamblett, both 81.

John Walford (seen in the attached photo) is a living testament to the benefits of regular participation in sport and physical activity. Not only does exercise bring many health benefits, the social side is equally important with the main activity often becoming secondary to the friendships many participants make.

Andy Reed, Chairman of Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport, is encouraging physically active seniors to come forward.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the lifetime achievements of our long standing participants to be celebrated in what will truly be a day to remember. We hope this will also inspire others throughout our local communities to enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits that result from regular participation in sport and physical activity.”

Nominations for the oldest competitive athlete and oldest physical activity participant should be made to Andrew Watson at Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport by 20th August 2010.

Either via email to: a.watson4@lboro.ac.uk

By post to: Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport, SportPark, 2 Oakwood Drive, Loughborough, LE11 3QF.

Or call: 01509 564872.