Commit to Fit 28 January 2025 An exciting initiative has been launched in Lisburn and Castlereagh to help residents improve their health and wellbeing through a tailored programme of fun activities. The 12-week programme called ‘Commit to Fit’ is funded by Sport Northern Ireland (Sport NI) and offers schools, community groups and individuals free access to a choice of sport and wellbeing activities. To celebrate the launch, local primary school children, adults and senior citizens from across the council area were invited to participate in a morning of health and fitness sessions at Lough Moss Leisure Centre. Highlights of the event included: cooking demos, over 50’s MOT health sessions, Dander Football and taster fitness classes including, TRX & Retro Fit. Mindfulness classes were also delivered to relax the body and mind through stress relieving breathing exercises. Local charities and service providers were also at hand to sign post participants to additional resources and help. The ‘Commit to Fit’ programme was organised by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, in partnership with Community Sports Network. Councillor Jonathan Craig, Chair of the Communities and Wellbeing Committee said, “This programme is a great opportunity for people of all ages to engage in activities which will have a positive impact on their fitness and wellbeing. Many people struggle with their physical and mental health, which creates stress, fatigue or a feeling of isolation. The funding from Sport NI will enable the council to deliver a tailored programme which brings people together to enjoy sport and wellbeing activities on a regular basis. We are excited to see the positive impact these sessions will have on our local communities, which will hopefully provide the first step to a lifetime of activity.” John Hunter, Community Sports Network commented, “The ‘Commit to Fit’ programme is a great way to work in partnership with Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council to deliver a meaningful and impactful timetable of activities, which will make a real difference to the lives of participants. It doesn’t matter your age or level of fitness; the team of instructors will help you find the right activity and support you every step of the way. I would like to thank Sport NI for funding the programme and helping to change the lives of local communities. I look forward to seeing the impact of the programme over the next 12 weeks.” Declan Steele from Sport NI said, “Our Community Planning Investment Programme works with local councils to provide funding for residents to get active and take part in physical activity. We’re delighted to invest £36,000 for the Lisburn & Castlereagh ‘Commit to Fit 2025’ programme which will meet the needs of residents. The programme is an example of how councils can help people begin or return to sport and physical activity no matter your age, gender, or ability.” For further information on the ‘Commit to Fit’ programme, please email lyndsay.mcveigh@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk.