A brand new project is about to start in Felixstowe to make it easier for people aged 55 or over or adults with long-term physical / mental health conditions and their carers to get involved in a fun and social weekly physical activity.
The project is called the ActivLives Kurlers Project and is nothing to do with hair. Funded by Suffolk County Council’s Engaged Community Fund (COMF) it is about getting people together through a social inclusive sport, called New Age Kurling. Anyone of any ability can play and it is an excellent game for older adults and people with a disability, as it can be played seated or standing, wheelchairs users can also play, and people living with Dementia, Parkinson’s Disease or any health condition can also participate. It’s ideal for carers and cared for to do something together or separately, it’s fun and the element of competition makes it very enjoyable and very competitive.
The sport is now played all over the world, with regional, national and international competitions taking place on a regular basis.
ActivLives introduced New Age Kurling to Suffolk in 2016, as part of the ActivIpswich Project and currently has a Kurling and Boccia Group of 20 people, who meet every Saturday afternoon at Walton Community Hall.
Frazier Seager, ActivAgeing Officer said, “New Age Kurling is a form of the original curling game, but adapted, so that it can be played indoors on any smooth, flat surface, such as a sports hall, rather than on ice. Importantly, the game can be played by both able-bodied and people with a disability and includes playing with adapted Kurling stones, pushers and a variety of targets. We want to set up three new groups in Ipswich and East Suffolk, who will meet weekly and develop new Kurling Competitions in Suffolk. We would also like to invite any existing groups across the county to participate in the competitions and bring everyone together to play this fun game.”
If you are interested in joining, but would like to find out more about this inclusive sport and ‘have a go’, then why not join ActivLives and partners Places Leisure at Felixstowe Leisure Centre, 75 Undercliff Rd, Felixstowe, IP11 2AE on Monday 17th April at 11.30am – 1pm for a free New Age Kurling taster session. Refreshments will be available.
This new activity is particularly aimed at the ‘not so sporty’ types, who would like to have a go at some regular activity, but who have just never got around to it. These friendly and welcoming groups are great for meeting and making friends and are excellent for those who are still finding it difficult to get out after the lockdowns and may feel lonely and isolated.
If you would like to find out more about the activity or session then please call Frazier on 01473 345350 or just turn up on the day.
