Get Out Get Active Thanet (GOGA) is the mantra and name of an exciting new programme that supports disabled and non-disabled people to take part in fun and inclusive activities together.
The aim is to get people to take more exercise and activity to help them stay healthy and happy.
Sarah Johnson, project coordinator for GOGA Thanet, said: “Just a little bit of exercise has massive benefits, it not only improves physical health and energy levels, but also improves self-esteem and mood.
“There are lots of people who don’t do any activities at all and GOGA Thanet wants to help get these people moving more through fun activities that everyone can join in.
“I’d love to see Thanet as a place where people regularly live healthy lives to 100 and beyond.”
The GOGA project is not about duplicating what already exists, but aims to help raise awareness of the hundreds of activities already on offer across Thanet and then help people have a go.
Activities
Working with partners such as Trinity Resource Centre and Stonelees Golf Centre, some of the activities GOGA have already supported include:
Chair Exercise (Mondays): Exercise whilst you are seated designed to give maximum benefit and enjoyment.
Line Dancing (Mondays): These classes result in a lot of laughter and strong friendships have been formed with members meeting up in the café for a drink beforehand. Cowboy hats are optional yeee-ha!
Boccia (Tuesdays): Boccia is a target ball game and is in the same family as the French game of Petanque or the British Indoor Bowls.
Ladies Golf (Wednesdays): A chance to improve your golf, meet other female golfers and learn in a friendly, social atmosphere.
Seniors Golf (Wednesdays): Opportunities for people over the age of 50 keen to improve their golf.
GOGA needs you
An army of GOGA activators are needed to help inspire inactive people in Thanet to become more active!
GOGA activators will help encourage family and friends to become more active.
Even just a small amount of activity counts, for example; a short walk in the park or on the beach or even walking the dog to the end of road. And when you are out and getting active, GOGA wants to hear about it, so take photos and share your experiences via the GOGA Facebook page and website.
If you run an event that supports disabled and nondisabled people, or if you simply want to help out as a volunteer, GOGA want to hear from you. Young or old(er), anyone can ‘Get Out – Get Active’. So, if you are 50 or over, don’t let your age, or indeed any personal circumstance, prevent you from getting involved.
For further details and information on how to get involved, drop Sarah a line at: [email protected] or visit gogathanet.co.uk