Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Rhinos Active Social group received a special visit from members of the Roundhay Rotary Club in December, who last year raised £1800 to support the running of the programme
Roundhay Rotary club, who are part of Rotary International comprising over 33,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries across the world, pledged their support for the programme after naming Leeds Rhinos Foundation their chosen charity from their fundraising dinner in 2016 attended by Director of Operations Bob Bowman.
Rhinos Active Social was introduced by Leeds Rhinos Foundation in February 2016 as part of a growing plan to improve public health in the city for areas of need, engaging the over 60s age group in regular classes to improve their physical, mental and social well-being by taking part in regular activities.
To support the group longer term and cover running costs going forward, support from Roundhay Rotary has been key to providing more specialist classes and refreshments for attendees which has seen the group now grow to accommodate an average of 15 regular attendees.
Health Partnership Officer, Laura Buckle, commented on the impact of the support from Roundhay Rotary: “We were delighted to receive support from Roundhay Rotary in 2016, who have guaranteed the future of the group going forward and allowed us to provide a wider range of activities each week.
“With the group operating with an open door policy, we don’t always know the numbers we will get through the door each week, so not having to solely rely on weekly subscriptions has allowed to continually improve the programme which is very pleasing.”
Rotarian Linda Filewood, who visited the group to take part in a chair-based exercise class in December said:
"We welcome the work that Rhinos Foundation Active Social Club are establishing for the over 60s to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle. Participants I spoke to enjoyed trying out new activities, such a salsa and walking netball, whilst also making new friends in a relaxed atmosphere. They felt comfortable in suggesting future activities and we are sure this club will continue to grow successfully and sustainably.”
Now into 2017, Rhinos Active Social has already planned four sessions for January including Tap Dancing, Walking Netball, Adult Ballet and Boccia classes with more sessions to be announced in the coming weeks.
Rhinos Active Sessions run every Tuesday 10:30am-12:30pm in the Captain’s Lounge at Headingley Carnegie Stadium and cost just £2 per week
For more information, please contact on Laura.buckle@leedsrhinosfoundation.org or visit our website at http://www.leedsrhinosfoundation.org/health/28753.php for up to date class schedules.