MICHELLE McManus kicked off Scotland’s Big Fit Walk campaign in Kirkintilloch on Friday 26 May.
The singer and presenter helped Scottish charity, Paths for All, officially launch their national walking campaign in a bid to get Scots active, in partnership with East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust (EDLC).
Get more Scots active
The aim of the Big Fit Walk campaign is simple: get more people In Scotland walking more often.
Michelle said: “I’m always happiest when I’m keeping active and I love walking, especially with my friends and family. I find it such an easy way to keep my mind and body healthy.
“That’s why I’m excited to be launching the Big Fit Walk this year, it’s all about celebrating the benefits of a fun, sociable walk. And you can too!”
Walking is free, easy and accessible
Each June, the Big Fit Walk supports communities, schools, groups and workplaces across Scotland to organise their own walk and experience the physical, mental and social benefits of being active.
Minister for Public Health and Sport, Aileen Campbell, said: “I’m delighted to again support the Big Fit Walk campaign which is now in its 14th year.
“Through our National Walking Strategy, we want to create a culture where everyone walks more often, both as part of their everyday travel and for recreation and wellbeing, and the Big Fit Walk is a great way to encourage that.
“Walking is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your physical and mental health, and help take you a long way to meeting the recommended 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, but it also offers the opportunity to meet new people and build a sense of community.
“I encourage everyone where possible to get involved with Scotland’s Big Fit Walk campaign this year.”
Healthy and happy
Ian Findlay, chief officer at Paths for All, said: “The Big Fit Walk helps put the fun into walking! Walking in groups can boost self-esteem, create opportunities to meet new people in our area, or discover some local hidden treasures.
“We’re thrilled to launch our Big Fit Walk campaign with EDLC who are fantastic advocates of everyday walking and strive to create a healthier and happier Scotland by providing walking opportunities for their community.”
A walk for all in East Dunbartonshire
Mark Grant, general manager of East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust, said: “It was a real honour for East Dunbartonshire to host the national launch of Big Fit Walk 2017 and great to see so many local people of all ages coming along and joining in the fun.
“I hope the event has encouraged people to walk more often and keep active by taking part in some of the well-established ‘health walks’ that take place in East Dunbartonshire in areas such as Kirkintilloch, Lennoxtown, Twechar, Milton of Campsie, Milngavie and Bearsden.
“The health walks are a great way of showing off the wonderful scenery we have in East Dunbartonshire and introduce people to walking routes and paths they might not know about.
“They are a great way of increasing physical activity in a fun and friendly environment, led by qualified walk leaders.”
Your community can join in
To organise your own Big Fit Walk this June, go to www.pathsforall.org.uk/bigfitwalk
ENDS
Media contact: For more information, or to receive photography from the event, please contact Louise Cameron, communications@pathsforall.org.uk, tel: 07885966169.
Further information:
About Big Fit Walk
The Big Fit Walk is promoted by Paths for All. The event was developed by Falkirk Community Trust and a group of Grangemouth school children 14 years ago.
The aim of these free, short walking events is to promote everyday walking as the ideal way to stay active and maintain good health.
Around 200 walks are taking place throughout Scotland this June.
About Paths for All
Paths for All is a charity and is the champion of everyday walking in Scotland. We want to get people walking, everyone, everywhere and every day.
Our aim is to significantly increase the number of people who choose to walk in Scotland – whether that’s leisure walking or active-choice walking to work, school or shops. We want to create a happier, healthier Scotland, where increased physical activity improves quality of life and wellbeing for all.
We work to create more opportunities and better environments not just for walking, but also for cycling and other activities, to help make Scotland a more active, more prosperous, greener country.
About East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust
East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust, on behalf of East Dunbartonshire Council, is responsible for the operation, management and delivery of leisure and cultural services throughout East Dunbartonshire – including three leisure centres, eight libraries, a museum, art gallery and arts centre.
As a charity our aim is to provide opportunities for our communities to participate in leisure and cultural activities which are accessible to all and have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of residents of East Dunbartonshire.
Leisure Services aims to provide an accessible range of sport and leisure activities at a value-for-money price.
A key priority is to promote and increase participation in activities at all levels and for all sections of the community, from recreational participation to elite performers.
Cultural Services provide quality activities and resources which support lifelong learning, skills development and literacy. The service enables and promotes access to local heritage, history and a wide range of information resources.
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