This ‘Winter Initiative’ calls on women, men, children, grandparents, cousins, neighbours, friends, work colleagues who haven’t yet ‘got going’ to get out walking, running, cycling or participating in some form of physical activity.
Local clubs and groups are also encouraged to post and advertise their events and activities online to spread the word about the Winter Initiative and encourage new people to try out different sports which they may have felt were outside their comfort zone before now.
Do you want to change habits? Track goals? Accomplish new year’s resolutions? Download our Active Wicklow Activity Tracker and it will help you by keeping track of your progress.
Download your Active Wicklow Activity Tracker Calendar here
Do it alone, or join in on some of our programmes, but this winter we want you to stay active for 2 – 3 times a week!
If you would like to receive weekly motivational emails to keep you on track, register here.
Check out some of the Winter Initiative programmes we have happening all over Wicklow:
Runs every Saturday morning at 9.30am. A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5K community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it’s up to you!
Venues:
Avondale Forest, Rathdrum – https://www.parkrun.ie/avondaleforest/
Russborough House, Blessington – https://www.parkrun.ie/russborough/
Arklow Duckpond Junior Parkrun – https://www.parkrun.ie/arklowduckpond-juniors/
Bray Junior parkrun – https://www.parkrun.ie/bray-juniors/
Thursday: A €5 pay as you go (PAYG) Pickelball session will be running every Thursday evening from 8:15PM in the Arklow Sports Hub.
Suitable for those who find a regular yoga class too strenuous, are recovering from injury or illness or are generally less active and mobile.
Arklow – Every Tuesday from 10.30am – 11.30am
Wicklow Town – Every Wednesday and Friday from 12pm – 1pm
We are delighted to announce that we will be running a 4 week instructor lead Women’s Social Soccer programme starting Thursday, January 19th on the Bray Shoreline Leisure Centre Astro Pitch.
This programme is designed to re-engage women and girls in sport using a recreational, non-competitive model with a focus on fun and a social outlet. This programme provides a non-competitive just-play opportunity for females to engage with sport while being physically active. The emphasis is on fun, socializing and moving in a safe environment.
The price of this programme for 4 weeks is €12 to cover the tutor and rental of the pitch. You must register in advance here
Date & Time: Tuesday, 10th of January at 10AM
Venue: Memorial Park Rathdrum
Price: 6 Week course for €20
The Activator Poles Programme is a fun outdoor activity suitable for anyone with mobility or balance concerns. The participants will learn the activator technique and learn how to use the poles to improve mobility, strength, balance and aerobic fitness. Each person who attends the programme will improve posture and gait, enhance core and muscle strength, reduce the impact on joints and reduce.
Date & Time: Wednesday, January 11th from 6.30pm-8pm
Venue: Avondale Gaa Complex
Price: 4 Week Programme for €20
Pickleball has to be one of the best sports invented for the Irish climate. It is played on a badminton court with tennis net and hard paddles. Why not come on down and join us!
Date & Time: Tuesday, 10th of January at 7PM – 8:30PM
Venue: Coláiste Chill Mhantáin Sports Hall, Wicklow
Price: 10 week course for €30
Come and Try Volleyball. Stay active and have fun, while meeting new people in our new indoor volleyball programme in Coláiste Chill Mhantáin.
Volleyball Ireland coach Miriam will introduce you to the basics of this sport, so no previous volleyball experience is required. For ages 17+
Date & Time: Tuesday, January 10th from 7pm-8pm
Venue: Parnell Memorial Park
Price: 4 Week Programme for €20
Instructor led 6 week walk to jog programme for the beginners. Taking place twice a week Tuesday and Thursday evenings with a third session given to you to do at the weekend.
On completion of the programme each participants will be given a #ActiveWicklow t-shirt.
This class is a nice way to increase fitness levels while dancing to music in these beginner dance sessions, We will focus on well-being, building a sense of community whilst meeting new people all in a Fun and friendly environment!
Venue: Arklow Coral Leisure
When: Every Friday at 11:15AM
Contact: wicklowlsp@wicklowcoco.ie
for details or to book
A full list of all the events and activities planned all around the country that people can get involved in is available on the Sport Ireland website at https://www.sportireland.ie/winter-initiative
This programme is starting Monday 29th August and will run twice weekly on Monday & Thursday mornings at 10.30 – 11.30AM in St. Brigid’s Hall, Carnew.
We are delighted to announce that registration for our annual 5K Virtual Santa Dash fun run is now open! The run can be done with friends and family or competitively on your own.
Mondays 12.15pm The Activator Poles Programme is a fun outdoor activity suitable for anyone with mobility or balance concerns. The participants will learn the activator technique and learn how to use the poles to improve mobility, strength , balance and aerobic fitness. Each person who attends the programme will improve posture and gait, enhance core and muscle strength, reduce impact on joints and reduce falls.
We are delighted to announce that we are launching a 6-week BuggyFIT programme starting Monday, November 7th November from 11.15am-12.15pm in the Arklow Coral Leisure.
This Learn to Cycle Programme is for children who cannot cycle without stabilisers. Priority will be given to children with a disability/ diagnosis.
Parent/Carer to stay to support and learn skills for practice between sessions. Own Bike & Helmet is needed.
Helmet must be worn during programme, so practice at home might be needed. This programme is part funded by Cycling Ireland.
Programme Outcome: To learn to cycle by learning balance, braking, turning etc.
Programme Dates: 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th November, 6th & 13th December 2022.
Times: 3:00pm to 3:45pm for 5-8 year olds; 4:00pm to 4:45pm for 8+ year olds
Cost is €30
Email wicklowlsp@wicklowcoco.ie to register interest
On the first night of the programme, participants will receive a Healthy Wicklow High-Vis Vest. In addition to this on completion of the programme, participants will receive an Active Wicklow T-shirt.
Spaces are limited register now to avoid disappointment.
Date: Every Wednesday & Friday, starting November 8th
Time: 7PM
Venue: Playground opposite the graveyard, Rathnew