European Week of Sport is for everyone, regardless of age, background or fitness level. With a focus on grassroots initiatives, the aim is to inspire Europeans to #BeActive on a regular basis and create opportunities in peoples’ everyday lives to exercise more.

Sport in any form, at all ages and for everybody: this is the message of #BeActive, for healthier citizens and happier people.

This week is all about providing opportunities for everyone in Ireland to #BeActive and to try something new.

For such a tiny island, there are so many incredible opportunities to participate in sport and physical activity. Westmeath Sports Partnership is delighted to be able to support several opportunities for people to be physically active this week.

Saturday Sept 24

Parkrun, Athlone

Get involved at your own pace at the weekly Park Runs in Athlone. The free weekly timed 5K runs are open to all abilities and get underway at 9:30 every Saturday morning. The start line is behind the sports arena on the TUS college campus. Remember you can run, walk, jog and it’s all in a friendly environment.

Parkrun, Mullingar

Mullingar also hosts a Park Run on a Saturday morning at 9.30am and it starts at the Old Trail Car Park, Newbrook Bridge, Mullingar. Park Runs are totally free but you are encouraged to register in advance to get a barcode so you can record your time.

Sunday Sept 25

Junior Parkrun, Mullingar

Thanks to the success of its adult version, a new ‘Junior Parkrun’ kicked off earlier this year in Mullingar. It’s a free, weekly, timed 2k parkrun for 4 to 14 year old’s and it starts every Sunday at 9:30am.

Get Athlone Walking

This new group is already proving a great success in Athlone. The group meets at Athlone Castle every Sunday at 10.45am for a stroll until around 1pm and this Sunday, September 24, is National Walking Day!

Find out more here

Monday Sept 26

Exercise and nutrition classes for women, Kinnegad

Our Easy Keep Fit exercise programmes targeting issues that arise for women during the menopause and peri menopause transition continue in Kinnegad this week.

Lads and Dads Kayaking, Athlone

Our class introducing men to kayaking and paddle skills continue at Coosan Point. The aim is for participants to be introduced to a new water-based activity in the beautiful outdoors.

Activator Poles, Mullingar

Our latest classes in the use of Activator Poles starts on Monday September 25 in Mullingar.

Using activator poles can help improve or just maintain your general fitness, and develop your overall mobility, strength and balance.

The poles are suited for all levels and abilities and all classes are provided by a trained tutor.

Tuesday Sept 27

Lads and Dads Kayaking, Mullingar

Our second group of Lads and Dads will be taking to the water again at Lough Owel as part of their ongoing kayaking programme.

Friday Sept 29

Age and Opportunity Cycle on Greenway, Streamstown

This easy going cycle is the perfect way to explore the beauty of the Old Rail Trail Greenway with an experienced leader.

Starting at 10am at the Streamstown Greenway Access Point, the group will be covering a flat 20km at an easy going pace. They will also be stopping for free refreshments in Jack’s Stop along the way.

The cycle is open to all adults aged 50+ and all abilities for what will be a fantastic, social morning on your bike! 

You just need to register for a community bike ride first, and then sign up for the event.

You can find more details here