‘I got into walking hockey on break from Parliament – and I’ve loved it so much I’m coming back next recess!’

The MP has spent his summer recess getting into walking hockey at WV Active

“It’s just wonderful and I’ve absolutely loved it,” Wolverhampton MP Warinder Juss has said of his summer playing walking hockey.

The Member of Parliament for Wolverhampton West has spent Wednesday morning during the summer recess trying out the walking hockey sessions laid on at WV Active Aldersley.

“It’s such a wonderful place to be. It’s such a wonderful activity and I absolutely love it. I’ve taken the opportunity during recess to come here as often as I can,” the Labour MP said.

Sessions, organised by Wolverhampton and Tettenhall Hockey Club and priced £3, run from 11am to midday every Tuesday and are followed by a coffee and a chat.

Anyone of any age, gender and fitness level can take part.

Tim Lorimer, from the hockey club, said: “Having played hockey most of my life I wanted to give something back so I started a Walking Hockey and Chat group about three years ago at WV Active Aldersley. Targeting the older generation I wanted to allow people the benefit of both physical activity and social interaction. From initial sessions of three people the group has close on 50 members with regular attendance of around 25.”

“It’s a great opportunity for people to come together, take part in physical activity, but it’s so good for mental health as well and the social connection because everyone here is so lovely,” Mr Juss said after playing his last game of the summer recess.

He added: “We get together, we play hockey games, walking, hockey and then we meet up in the cafe for coffee, soft drinks and so forth.

“The obvious benefits are the physical benefits because you are moving your arms, you are moving your legs, you’re walking, you’re using a hockey stick. But I think it’s also being out in the open air; and the weather’s been lovely. So it’s getting that fresh air and the connection that you have with others. Everybody has been so friendly, so wonderful, so encouraging.

“I’ve never played walking hockey before this summer, but they’ve all helped me to do the best as I can. And then the chats that we have afterwards, it’s so wonderful.

“It gives you everything that you need actually as a human being, I would say, I think the exercise, the mental health benefits and also the social connection. It’s just wonderful and I’ve absolutely loved it.”

Mr Juss will have to hang up his hockey stick for a while to return to Parliament on September 1 but he promised: “I will take the opportunity every recess to come here on a Wednesday.”

He described walking hockey as a “fantastic way to stay active over the summer recess” and added: “But it’s about so much more than exercise. It brings people together, helps tackle loneliness and gives people the chance to build friendships and enjoy being part of a team.

“I have really enjoyed getting involved and seeing first-hand the difference these sessions can make. It is a great example of how community sport can improve people’s wellbeing, and I would encourage anyone who has not tried it to get involved.”

To take part in walking hockey costs £3 per session, with the first session free, and this includes a hot drink afterwards. For more details email Tim Lorimer tim.a.lorimer@gmail.com

Source: https://www.expressandstar.com/news/wolverhampton-mp-warinder-juss-sings-praises-of-citys-walking-hockey-club-8944239

#walkinghockey #walkingsports #walkingsport

Related Posts

Walking rugby club ready to kick off

Bridgnorth Rugby Club to host new venture aimed at men over the age of 60. A new walking rugby group is targeting men over the age of 60 to take up the sport Bridgnorth Rugby Club will host the new venture, organised by Iain Seivewright and Liz Rochelle, with plans already in the pipeline to […]

EuroHockey Institute to support research into physiological demands of walking hockey

Walking hockey is growing steadily across Europe. For many, it offers a way to stay involved in the sport after they have stepped away from the traditional game, whether because of injury concerns, age, fitness levels, or simply changing priorities. Yet despite its increasing popularity, there is limited scientific research about what walking hockey actually […]

Crediton Walking Rugby goes ‘International’

The Crediton RFC Walking Rugby group crossed the Severn to take part in an ‘international’ festival at Taffs Well with 16 teams from either side of the border. Intended as a fun game, scores aren’t kept but good sportsmanship rewarded. Crediton demonstrated the inclusivity of the game, fielding a squad that was the oldest on […]

Free walking rugby sessions at Ross High Rugby Club

Ross High Rugby Club is inviting people to try out walking rugby free of charge next month. Backed by the SRU and East Lothian Rugby, the initiative aims to make rugby more inclusive. Walking rugby offers a slower, non-contact alternative to traditional rugby, catering to individuals of all fitness levels. The focus is on gentle […]

Friendship, fun and fabulous footwork – Walking Netball in a Novel!

This warm-hearted comedy follows a WI walking netball team whose members discover that there is rather more to the game than getting the ball through the hoop. Between competitive rivalries, questionable tactics, mishaps on court and the inevitable dramas off it, the team quickly proves that winning isn’t necessarily the most important part of the […]

Walking netball all about strategy

How does one play a game of netball when you’re not allowed to run or jump and one foot must remain on the ground at all times? It’s all about strategy in ‘Walking Netball,’ and a group of Alexandra players are figuring it all out, since the sport was first introduced to the town this […]

Author: Admin