Hundreds of Glasgow pensioners stretched and flexed their muscles today (Tuesday 4 September) during a mega armchair aerobics class, before putting on their dancing shoes and boogieing the afternoon away, at a giant tea dance held in Tollcross Leisure Centre in support of Glasgow’s 2014 Commonwealth Games bid.
Keen to show the 60-plus generation are actively behind Scotland’s bid, Glasgow 2014 brought participants from the Silver Deal Active programme from across the city together. This is the first all members of the programme have been able to take part in a class together.
Scottish diving legend and former chairman of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Sir Peter Heatly and record-breaking swimmer Elenor Gordon, Scotland’s first-ever female Commonwealth Gold medallist, helped local fitness instructors conduct the class.
Sir Peter Heatly said: “The great City of Glasgow, which has contributed so much to the development of the Commonwealth, deserves the opportunity to host a Commonwealth Games.
“I’ve been lucky enough to experience every Games since Auckland in 1950. I can assure you it is a truly wonderful occasion, which everyone in Glasgow will enjoy and not just for the eleven days the Games are on. Each host city has been left a wonderful legacy and the people of Glasgow can look forward to using excellent community sports facilities for many years to come."
Sir Peter dominated diving in Scotland for over 20 years, winning two Commonwealth Gold medals for Scotland, and went on to chair the Scottish Sports Council (1975 - 1987) and the Commonwealth Games Federation (1982 - 1990).
Elenor Gordon added; “To be part of a Commonwealth Games is a remarkable experience. In 1950 I travelled to New Zealand by boat to compete and it took 6 weeks just to get there! It was an honour to represent my country, Scotland, in one of the world’s largest multi-sports events.
To be part of a Glasgow Games would be a once in a lifetime opportunity for our athletes and something every one of our young people should strive for. I implore you – if you’ve still to Back Scotland’s Bid, please follow in our footsteps and register your support today”.
Joining them was mother and daughter Violet Draper (86) and Violet Thomson (65) and 90 years-young John Henderson.
After catching his breath John said: “What a great day; I’m delighted I can actually show my support for Glasgow 2014, rather than simply sign up to back the bid. A room full of oldies puffing and panting their way through an easy exercise class shows the Commonwealth that we are passionate about sport regardless of our age and that Glaswegians love to have fun.
Violet added; “The class was really enjoyable and I discovered a talent I never thought I had. Plus I’ve lots more confidence since joining Silver Deal, not to mention many more friends.
“The idea that Glasgow could host one of the world’s biggest sporting occasions has not only inspired me, but two generations of my family, to improve our fitness. What a goal to aim for – being part of the spectacle that Glasgow 2014 promises to be, perhaps as a volunteer showing visitors around our City.”
Derek Casey, Glasgow 2014 Bid Director said; “I’ve been inspired by today’s event, it really captures the Glaswegian character, demonstrates our passion for all things sporting and shows what a fun city Glasgow really is, as the delegates from Africa experienced first-hand last week.”
He continued; “Whether enjoying an armchair aerobics class or striving for gold, the people of Glasgow will cheer you on to the performance of your life. With less than 70 days until we find out the result of the race for 2014 we are very much entering the home strait. Like the older people today, millions of Scots have backed the Bid demonstrating the hunger this country has for success. Like the older people today we will be giving it our all in Sri Lanka, delivering the performance of our lives to bring the prize home on November 9.”
The participants regularly take part in Silver Deal Active classes across the city as part of a unique activity programme, devised especially for Glasgow Housing Association tenants aged over 60 and delivered by Culture and Sport Glasgow.
A whole host of benefits have been reported by those taking part since the scheme began in November 2005, including increased strength, stability and mobility, increased confidence and a more active social life – with many people making friends and enjoying the opportunity to get out of their homes on a regular basis.
GHA’s Director of Investment and Regeneration, David Hastings commented: “GHA is backing the city’s Commonwealth Games bid and it is fantastic that our older tenants can show their support too, by taking part in this special Silver Deal Active exercise event. The programme has enjoyed amazing success so far and our older people are getting fitter, meeting new people and learning new skills.”
First, a major supporter of the Glasgow 2014 bid, provided transport making it possible to bring Silver Deal Active members from across the city together for the first time in this way. Avril Gill, marketing manager, said: “Seeing that outpouring of energy today was incredible. We are delighted to bring so many passionate people together today to help spread the word about supporting the Commonwealth Games.
“First delivers moves more than 200 million passenger journeys north of the border each year and as such we are in an unrivalled position to show our support for the Commonwealth Games bid. We want to encourage everyone in Glasgow to back the bid for
2014 – this will be great for the whole of Scotland.”