Happy New Year to all our friends and supporters across County Westmeath as we look forward to another exciting and active 12 months’ in the county.

It may have felt like the longest month EVER, but, for many people and communities, it was a chance to get back to fitness and activity after the Christmas period. Westmeath Sports Partnership was delighted to be able to offer support to a number of programmes and courses which kicked off in January and are continuing over the coming weeks.
Castlepollard I.C.A got the year off to an active start with some gentle exercise as part of their Chair Aerobics class in early January.
The Monsignor McCarthy Complex in Battery Heights, Athlone, also hosted classes for teenagers in January looking to become more fit and active with tutor Damien leading aerobics and multi sport classes.
It was all excitement in Milltown Community Centre in the middle of the month as a huge crowd came out for our first ‘Men On the Move’ event of the year on January 23.
The following night over 30 brave souls took to the walking path at Rosemount GAA Club for the first Couch To Five Km’ event of the year.
Making sure children, adults, teams and trainers are all safe when enjoying sport is a key function of the Westmeath Sports Partnership and tutor Mary Walsh led a very informative Safeguarding One Course.

An in-Person Safeguarding course also took place at Athlone Boat Club on January 31st which was very well attended and led by tutor Karen Walsh.
We are delighted to be able to support the continuing training of students at Colaiste Mhuire Mullingar, in the Rowing Ireland “Get Going, Get Rowing” programme. Hopefully, we might have the next Paul and Gary O’Dononvan or Fintan McCarthy in the classes.
Our Sports Inclusion Disability Officer Mary Kate Duignan has also been very busy this month with the Maroon Lakers Multi activity programme for teenagers and young children; the Enjoy Tennis programme in Mullingar; Snag Golf in Mount Temple and the Physical Activity programme in St.Hilda’s which runs two days a week. Well done to everyone who is taking part and keep up the good work.
We are also always looking for new programmes and new groups to get in touch with us

January was pretty hectic but don’t forget that if you ever want to get in touch with the Westmeath Sports partnership, you can email info@westeathsports.ie or contact us on our social media channels, such as twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
February is going to be another busy month so look forward to seeing you all and remember keep active, keep fit and keep well.