Wales Netball
April 29, 2019
Welsh Netball and the National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI)-Wales are delighted to launch a Walking Netball project that will see WI federations across Wales getting involved in organising Walking Netball sessions in their areas. The project will be launched to WI members at the NFWI-Wales Annual Conference in Newport on 16 April.
Walking Netball is netball, but at a walking pace. The game has been designed so that anyone can play regardless of age or fitness level.
This project is aimed at encouraging WI members to stay active and take part in a team sport which is challenging, sociable and rewarding. Participation in Walking Netball can improve mental health and well-being and reduce loneliness and isolation.
Supported by a grant from Sport Wales, the partnership will enable each federation in Wales to run 20 weeks of Walking Netball delivered by a qualified Walking Netball Coach provided by Welsh Netball.
The initiative will run for 18 months with sessions taking place from April this year.
Ben Williams, Head of Community Development at Welsh Netball said:
“We are excited to be working in partnership with the NFWI-Wales in what will be a ground breaking national project for the sport. Walking Netball has really taken off over the past 12 months as it provides a fun and inclusive opportunity for all to play the sport and get active. We’re delighted to be able to facilitate Walking Netball opportunities for WI’s across the whole length and breadth of Wales, and I can’t wait for the benefits of the initiative to be seen by all!”
Mair Stephens, Chair of the NFWI-Wales, said:
“We are delighted to be working with Welsh Netball on this exciting project, and it is very encouraging that so many WI members have already expressed interest in participating in sessions.
“Pilot sessions already established in Wales have proved to a huge success demonstrating that Walking Netball is an inclusive and rewarding activity open to everyone regardless of age or ability.”
