Plymouth Raiders are getting to keep older members of the community in shape and combat loneliness with a replacement initiative.
The British league club have cooperated with students of City College Plymouth to launch Active Aging – walking basketball sessions for older people.
The initiative which is supported by the National Lottery Community Fund allows older members of the community to play walking basketball.
The sport is becoming more fashionable people of all ages and in Plymouth it’ll be Raiders Coach Paul Nicholson leading the sessions.
They will happen at the College’s sports hall on a Tuesday and Thursday.
Phil Hughes, community foundation manager at Plymouth Raiders, said: “Walking basketball may be a good way for older members of the community to take care of their fitness.
“It is a low-impact cardio workout which will spend about 250 calories during a one-hour session, it can help improve your heart and lung function, as well as boost your morale and energy levels.
“In addition to the health benefits, we would like these sessions to be a chance for participants to satisfy new people, enjoy some lively conversation and potentially make new friends.
“It is the maximum amount about the fellowship because it is about the fitness.”
In addition to helping the players on the court, the scholars also will be on-hand for a few post-match fellowship. While the Raiders are holding walking basketball sessions for a couple of years, this is often the primary time students are invited to help with coaching.
The Tuesday sessions will last for about 45 minutes, from 9.45am-11.30am, after which participants will be invited to enjoy conversation over coffee and cake.
Thursday sessions run from 11am-12.15pm and can include a light-weight lunch. The post-game refreshments are going to be served within the College’s PL1 restaurant by hospitality and catering students.
Phil added that these sessions would be completely free, including the coffee and food, and participants would be welcome to return on their own or with their friends.