The ExtraCare Challenge, officially launched for 2012 this week
by former Olympic runner David Moorcroft, is a celebration of
activity, health and social opportunity in later years.
Involving a mix of activities (including gyms, running, and
cycling) and transportation (including hot air balloons, boats, and
beds on wheels), the ExtraCare torch begins its five-month journey
on the 29th February at St Oswald's Retirement Village in
Gloucester, arriving at Shenley Wood Village in Milton Keynes
on 27th July, the day of the Olympic opening ceremony.
Residents from one of ExtraCare's Coventry retirement schemes
will join Mr Moorcroft at the Charity's head office to launch the
plan, along with ExtraCare activities staff from around the
country.
Seb Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic
Games and Paralympic Games, said: "The ExtraCare Challenge is
encouraging older people around the country to fulfil their
potential. I am proud that with the help of partners such as
ExtraCare, we are delivering our vision to use the power of the
Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to boost participation in sports
and other physical activities."
Nick Abbey, Chief Executive of The ExtraCare Charitable Trust,
said he was looking forward to the ExtraCare Challenge. "It is a
clear demonstration of our collective drive and imagination that we
should unite and bear ExtraCare's own Olympic torch from scheme to
village and village to scheme - travelling to 29 sites, with
thousands of miles and countless activities involved - culminating
in a grand celebration at our brand new Shenley Wood Village next
summer. I suspect it will be one heck of a trip!"
About The ExtraCare Charitable Trust: The ExtraCare
Charitable Trust enables older people to enjoy a healthier, active
and more independent lifestyle in a network of inspirational
communities, as alternatives to nursing homes. The Charity operates
12 retirement villages and 17 smaller housing developments across
the Midlands and the North. Each ExtraCare resident can expect a
safe, secure future, renting or buying a spacious and affordable
home with award-winning care and a wide range of social
opportunities to enjoy.
- ExtraCare is dedicated to improving the health of all residents
through regular activities and the award-winning Well-being
Service. On average, residents achieve a five percent improvement
in health in their first year of living in an ExtraCare scheme or
village.
- The ExtraCare Challenge is part of ExtraCare's Activities
Programme and is encouraging residents to get active and get
involved in the run-up to the 2012 Games.
- The ExtraCare Challenge has been granted the Inspire mark by
the London 2012 Inspire programme, which recognises innovative and
exceptional projects that are directly inspired by the 2012 Olympic
and Paralympic Games.
- As part of The ExtraCare Challenge, each scheme and village
must clock up 1,000 miles through running, rowing, archery - or
anything else they can think of! Non-strenuous activities are also
being planned to allow all residents to get into the spirit of the
Games. The Charity hopes that, for many of the residents who are
taking part, there will be health benefits and memories that last a
lifetime.
- Residents will also be able to "bid" for tickets to see events
at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games by doing something
else new: producing a short video explaining why they should have
the chance to go.
- Residents have already taken part in over 60 different
activities as part of the Challenge, including zumba, horse-riding,
boxing, hockey, and sailing. They've built an Olympic stadium out
of LEGO®, made smoothies using an exercise bike, and even driven
round the countryside on a motorcycle while carrying a replica of
the Olympic torch.
About the Inspire programme: The Inspire programme
is run by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and
Paralympic Games. It is an opportunity for everyone to be a part of
the London 2012 Games - a broad participation programme spanning
sport participation, education, sustainability, volunteering, and
business opportunities & culture. New opportunities are being
created to inspire young people and encourage the whole of the UK
to join in. The Inspire programme has awarded over 1,400 different
projects the Inspire mark.
For more information, please visit http://www.london2012.com/inspire-programme
For further information, please contact:
Lucy Henson, PR officer
0789 105 3062
lucy.henson@extracare.org.uk