Backdropped by sunset skies, over 50 locals have gathered for a two-hour twilight aqua exercise festival to mark Worldwide Aquathon Day and raise much needed funds for local community inclusion programs at SWELL Palmerston.
The community rallied together on November 8th, raising $200 for Belgravia Foundation, Belgravia Leisure’s charity partner, which connects communities to sports, aquatics, leisure, recreation, fitness and employment opportunities to ensure no one misses out.
In addition to raising funds, participants – particularly those living with injury or chronic pain – enjoyed the range of physical and mental health benefits that aqua exercise provides.
Deb Pennell, Aquafit instructor at SWELL Palmerston said:
“This twilight session supports our Aquafit program, designed to benefit everybody, including those living with chronic conditions. Raising funds for the Belgravia Foundation will make a difference in ensuring everyone can participate in fitness and recreation regardless of personal circumstance.”
“I always see participants leave energised and with a big smile. It’s helped them to see the joy of exercising in water, especially those who believed they couldn’t exercise anymore.”
The festival was supported by local businesses including Staunch Crab Apparel, Birds of Paradise Fashions and Fashion & Gifts Coolalinga, who jumped in with donations and vouchers.
Worldwide Aquathon Day, established in 2009 by aqua enthusiasts, aims to have people experience the benefits of exercising in water worldwide.
With over 35 countries including India, Mexico, France and the USA registered for Worldwide Aquathon Day events, SWELL joined the global movement with flair. Participants splashed through a mix of shallow and deep-water aqua aerobics, guided by music and five energetic instructors on deck.
A range of options were available on the day such as high-intensity cardio, low-impact training, choreographed Aquafit routines and combat moves. A sausage sizzle and lucky draw prizes added to the fun, with a contest for the craziest hat taking place.
Ashley Stephens, Venue Manager at SWELL Palmerston commented:
“It was such a pleasure to see our community come together through the Aquafit program to really make a difference with Belgravia Foundation.”
SWELL’s Aquafit program continues to contribute to increased health and happiness for locals in the Palmerston community, enhancing its success for years to come.
About Belgravia Foundation
Formed in 2017, Belgravia Foundation is a registered charity that works on behalf of the entire leisure sector. Belgravia Foundation’s purpose is to connect ALL to leisure, so everyone has the opportunity to live healthy and happy lives.
Belgravia Foundation was created to reduce barriers and create pathways to participation in sport, aquatics, fitness, recreation, health and employment for our most vulnerable and under-represented groups within the community who often miss out.
The Foundation works to its tagline of “raise locally, spend locally”, whereby 100% of funds raised go back into supporting that specific local community. Examples of the type of work that Belgravia Foundation undertake includes:
- Providing adults who live with mental health conditions support to join a health club or gym.
- Giving families with children and teens with a disability access to subsidised swimming lessons to ensure no one misses out because of the cost.
- Providing people with early onset dementia access to programs to improve strength, mobility and independence.
- Allowing carers access to join an exercise group or enjoy community facilities like spas and pools to experience a little ‘me’ time.
- Explore Belgravia Leisure’s career opportunities.
- Learn more about Belgravia Leisure’s people.
