Lakers launches fundraising virtual fitness challenge

LAKERS is asking people to sign up for a virtual fitness challenge in April to help support the club.

The sports and recreation club for people with intellectual disabilities closed its doors three weeks ago to ensure the safety of members.

Many Lakers members are vulnerable to coronavirus and have compromised immune systems so are not only at home but self isolating.

‘We are trying our best to supply some of our activities remotely, online and through Facebook to make sure our members are still supported, and do not feel too isolated,’ said fundraising coordinator Kathy Baker.

‘Families and carers are also struggling without the supports or respite that our club and other charities like ours supply,’ she said.

‘Lakers want to make sure that we are not only able to supply more activities online, but that we can also support families and members as much as possible when we are back open. Funds are in decline for our club since none of our fundraising events can go ahead. We have also had some of or grant opportunities cancelled. Because this is such a scary for us, we have begun to get creative.’

Anyone planning to support Lakers by doing the Mini Marathon, Lakers Roundwood Run, or anyone motivated to help out, can get involved in Lakers Virtual Challenges, which launches today, Wednesday, April 1.

Participants can set a goal of 5km a day for one month, complete 100km in a month, take part in a virtual 10km race, or cycle 500km in one month.

Those who register on lakers.ie for €15 will receive a training big with the challenge logo, a thank you letter, regular fitness and route tips and an invitation to join the virtual challenger team by setting up a sponsorship page.

Participants are asked to take a picture of their fitbit or exercise app and email it to kathy. baker@lakers.ie.

Lakers will keep a log of achievements and notify people when they reach certain goals.

Those who complete the challenge will receive an e-certificate to share on social media and a medal.

Prizes and winners of first male and first female will be announced in July.

Lakers supports just under 400 members with special needs. This usually means providing about 60 activities a week including art, cookery, fitness, sport, music and drama.