Walking, cycling, gardening, yoga and even a few breathtaking snaps of cold water swimming, were just some of the fantastic images which were submitted as part of the ‘Movement for Life’ competition held by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust.
Paddy Haughian, who is the Chairman of the Upper Bann University of the Third Age was crowned winner of the competition. His photo captured the local group out for a walk at Oxford Island and will be used to form the Trust-wide ‘Movement for Life’ campaign, which will raise awareness of the many physical and mental health benefits of staying active as we get older.
Runner up prizes were presented to Mary Mallon, Bernadette McFerran and Sayon Cheung-Mulligan from Newry and Mourne area, who were delighted to receive their vouchers from the Public Health Agency’s Orlaith Moley.
The Southern Trust in partnership with The Public Health Agency and local councils (including Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council) launched the competition in May to capture and celebrate positive images of over 50s being active.
Paddy who is a Walking for Health Walk Leader summed up his photo perfectly with the accompanying slogan – ‘Walking the walk and talking the talk. We all move together for improved physical and mental wellbeing’.
After being presented with his prize from the Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Councillor Sarah Duffy, Paddy expressed his delight and shared the success with the group.
“We are just delighted. The whole group were over the moon to win this competition,” said Paddy.
“All of these people are retired, some are in their seventies, some are in their eighties, and a lot of them tell me, that apart from going to chapel, church, supermarket, this is their only other social activity.
“At our age, you’re not playing football, maybe you’re not very active, but to do something like this, that is not intense and yet to win a prize like this, they are really pleased to get this award and get the acknowledgement.”
The Lord Mayor praised Paddy for his photograph and said it would help inspire others to get moving.
She said: “Movement is so important at whatever age you are, but when you get older, the benefits are really important from a physical and social aspect. I would like to congratulate Paddy on his winning photograph and the wonderful work of his group by keeping people active and engaged.
“I would also like to thank the Southern Trust & Public Health Agency for organising the ‘Movement for Life’ campaign which can make a really effective and positive impact on people’s lives.”
For further info on the Movement for Life campaign please visit the Southern Trust website – https://southerntrust.hscni.net/your-health/health-improvement/physical-activity/ .
