Lough Lannagh Loop challenge on Saturday 19 Jan

IS getting more physically active part of your new year resolutions? Don't know where to start and need some support?

The new series of RTÉ's Operation Transformation is once again joining forces with the Irish Sports Council's sports partnership network to encourage people to become more physically active in 2013. A series of walks will take place across the country this Saturday, January 19, with Mayo walks taking place in Belmullet, Castlebar and Westport.

The Castlebar walk, either 3km or 5km will take place at 11.30 a.m. on Saturday, January 19, with participants requested to meet at the New Castlebar Tennis Club (Beside Lough Lannagh) at 11a.m. for a group warm up.

Instructors will be on hand to guide participants through the walk and also to give advice on following on programmes, etcetera.

Mayo Sports Partnership in collaboration with Castlebar Town Council have recently set in train a Castlebar Sports Forum with the aim of increasing participation and usage of local authority-developed sports and recreational facilities. Follow-on initiatives such as the Men on the Move and Meet and Walk programmes will be available to participants following the walk.

Click above to view the full-sized poster.

Event organisers Mayo Sports Partnership, The Connaught Telegraph and Mayo Walking Partnership are encouraging people of all age groups to turn out on Saturday.

Mayo Sports Partnership coordinator, Charlie Lambert, commented: "We are delighted to be able to highlight the superb Lough Lannagh Loop walking facility through the Operation Transformation walk.

"I would like to thank Castlebar Tennis Club for making their facility available as a meeting / refreshment point. Thanks also to both Supervalu Castlebar and Tom Lavin for supplying water and fruit respectively ."

Mr. Tom Gillespie, editor of The Connaught Telegraph, stated: "We are delighted to come on board as media sponsors of the Lough Lannagh Loop walk on Saturday."

"I would encourage our readers of all ages to tog out on Saturday and participate in the walk, which is easy going and fun to do."

Olympic silver medalist and CEO of the Irish Sports Council John Treacy will lead the walk and will be joined by one or two other personalities on the day.

There is no cost involved. Participants are asked to wear loose clothing and to bring some water.

Further information on Operation Transformation can be found at www.rte.ie/ot/.

To register for the walk or to get further information, contact Mayo Sports Partnership at (094) 9047025.