This week saw twenty of our Senior U’s Participants head down to the Northern Gateway Sports Park, to give cycling a go.
The bikes were supplied by the charity - Wheels for All, who provide a range of specially adapted cycles to be as inclusive as possible. Normally, the Senior U’s sessions take place at Shrub End, however the funding provided by Active Essex allows the group to go on trips out to different venues.
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, activities like this were not possible as people were bound to their homes. This is why part of the Senior U’s funding from Active Essex includes going on trips out, to give people opportunities to leave their houses again and continue to get active since restrictions were relaxed. The cyclists managed to pedal around the 1km track for about an hour! Events like these have enabled our Senior U’s to re-engage with the community both socially and physically.
The Colchester Wheels for All Coordinator, Jo Smith, shared; “ I love the Senior U’s crew, they are a great group of people”. Jo went onto say “CUFITC Senior U’s visited Colchester Wheels for All to experience some track cycling. Most of the party were able to use a two wheeler so Colchester Sports Park generously sorted everyone out with a bike to ride. Everyone cycled enthusiastically with Ed and Bradley supporting the participants, the Senior U’s embodies what group activity should look like – embracing or returning to, sports and activities and belonging”.
Participants were also asked for their thoughts on the trip and how they have found Senior U’s as a whole. One of the regulars, Steve Martin said; “The cycling today was great fun, the weekly Senior U’s sessions are a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new friends, with the chance to participate in sports I thought would not be available for people my age. You guys at CUFITC are doing a great job and I hope you know how much we all appreciate what you do”. Another one of the members, Colin Orman echoed Steve’s thoughts about how Senior U’s has allowed him to play sports he didn’t think he would be participating in, he said; “I am thoroughly enjoying the activities CUFITC have provided for us. I have always enjoyed sport but never before played handball or curling. Today was a special treat, especially with all the different cycles to choose from. Keep up the good work”.
The CUFITC Senior U’s lead, Ed King commented on the trip; “After a few months of waiting for this trip, I could not have been more pleased with how it went. Jo Smith from Wheels for All was a credit to the organisation, as she put on a fantastic morning for us all. Seeing the smiles and laughter from the participants, whilst cycling around the track was brilliant. The Senior U’s group are an amazing group of people and I would encourage anyone over 60 to get involved”.
Are you looking to re-engage with the community both physically and socially? Then please let Ed King know – Edward.king@colchesterunited.net / 01206 755160 and he will be able to sign you up for Senior U’s from there.
Alternatively please visit - https://www.cu-fc.com/fitc/our-programmes/health-wellbeing/senior-us/
For more information on Wheels for All please visit - https://wheelsforall.org.uk/wheels-for-all