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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, in partnership with Netball NI, hosted a Walking Netball Tournament at Down Leisure Centre in Downpatrick on 7 October. Six teams took part, with players travelling from within the district and further afield. Banbridge team The Bann Ballers were crowned overall tournament winners.
The Downpatrick event followed the Council’s Be Active for Life Walking Netball sessions at Down Leisure Centre, which have helped introduce many local women to the sport. Walking netball is a slower-paced, low-impact version of the game that makes it easier for people of all ages and abilities to get involved, stay active and enjoy the social benefits of sport.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna said: “We were delighted to welcome teams from across Northern Ireland to Downpatrick for this tournament. The event showed how sport can create inclusive opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and levels of experience to get active and enjoy friendly competition. We hope it will encourage more women to discover walking netball and become involved in the sport within their local communities.”
A ‘Shooter of the Tournament’ competition was also held, with each team nominating three players to take part. Following a shoot-off between the highest scorers from each team, Sandra Davidson from The Duffers, Carryduff, was named the overall winner.
Lisa Rickett, Head of Development at Netball NI, said: “Walking netball continues to grow in popularity across Northern Ireland because it provides a fun, inclusive and accessible way for people to participate in sport. We are pleased to partner with the Council to deliver events such as this, not only providing an enjoyable competition, but also fostering friendships, teamwork and a lifelong enjoyment of physical activity.”
Members of the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust Cardiac Rehabilitation Team based at the Downe Hospital were also in attendance. Cardiac Rehabilitation Physiotherapist Alanna Rogan spoke to participants about the importance of heart health and highlighted how regular physical activity, including walking netball, can support overall cardiovascular wellbeing.
The event comes at a time of growing interest in walking netball locally, with five teams recently travelling to Jersey to compete in a tournament there.
Anyone interested in trying walking netball, regardless of fitness level, ability or age, can take part in the Council’s Be Active for Life sessions, which take place at Down Leisure Centre every Wednesday from 11am until noon. To book a place, download the NMD Be Active app and select the Be Active for Life tile, or contact Down Leisure Centre for further information. Those who would like to get involved in walking netball in other locations within the district can register their interest by emailing leisureandsport@nmandd.org.
