Leisure Industry key to Implementation of Obesity Strategy More people - More Active - More Often Presented by Ms Christine Moloney Mr Barry Walsh

Introduction Mr Barry Walsh, Managing Director Bsc Leisure Management Msc Executive Leadership 20 years leisure experience Private Leisure 1escape health club., Smithfield The Fitness Dock Medfit proactive healthcare, Blackrock – Medical exercise facility. President of ILAM Ms Christine Moloney CEO, LeisureWorld Cork City Dip in Management / MBA 19 years in Leisure Industry 5 Sites – Public Leisure 110 personnel Approx 1,000,000 visits pa Provide Private swim lesson for 1,200 children per week Provide accessible Pool time to 80 School Bookings per week Vice President of ILAM

About US ILAM is a not for profit organisation National members employer body for the Leisure, Fitness & Recreational Industry in 26 counties across Ireland We represent leisure centres in public & private sector outdoor pursuit centres, community centres, & education providers

About ILAM There are approx 700 leisure centres in 26 counties across Ireland (not incl Independent operators community centres etc ) Our Industry Employs a broad spectrum of professionals for example fitness professional, Cardiac Rehab, GP Referral, swim instructors, physio’s

Role of ILAM A voluntary board who’s primary aim is to self regulate our Industry and promote our competencies to our Communities... ILAM self regulates our industry through: White Flag Quality Standard Child Protection Code / Garda Vetting REPS Ireland Accessible Leisure Centres

ILAM STAKEHOLDERS ILAM Consumer /Public Members Government Departments & NGB Education Authorities & Training Providers Medical Industry Suppliers Fitness Professionals

ILAM Strategic Partners IHRSA – Global Association EFHA – European Fitness Association ( based in Brussels) FIA – UK Fitness Association Each body undertakes research and lobbies on behalf of our industry to improve participation to tackle the health issues facing our society due to inactivity

Purpose To present the opportunity that exists for the Leisure Industry to implement Obesity strategies through our facilities & personnel Our Assumptions; The diagnosis processes is completed The Interventions processes are identified. The question; HOW TO IMPLEMENT EFFECTIVELY ?

Participation Leisure industry is ALL about increasing participation Our facilities are currently in Communities WE need: Multi Level Partnership, collaboration and a common vision Commitment from all agencies, institutions and organisations to make the change... INCREASE PARTICAPTION !!! (CSPPA, ISC, page 133) WE ARE PUTTING OUR HANDS UP TO HELP

Referral Pathways... Our Industry has the competencies and resources to provide a referral pathway for obese/pre obese clients before medical intervention is required Our industry is part of the multi disciplinary approach to increase participation throughout our society as a Primary Care solution

Example – MEND UK model MEND to tackle obesity through Community Implementation for year olds Interventions through Behavioural change, land based activities, water based activities & Nutrition education Settings for implementation are: After school, Community, Group-based Venues include: schools, leisure centres, community centres

LeisureWorld Case Study Develop a project that will prove that our industry can provide a sustainable and successful approach to citizens whose health issues can be tackled Promote Leisure Industry as a key provider to open pathways and offer direct access to the public that would benefit from an exercise professional advice and support

Project Weight Loss was born... Pilot 12 week program Initially advertising for 30 participants, who all have a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 25 and are currently inactive. The initial pilot project was oversubscribed with over 120 applicants 60 participants initially accommodated. Supported by Cork Sport Partnership

Project Weight Loss Results – 12 weeks Number of Participa nts Max Start Weight Average Start Weight Average Finish Weight Max Weight Loss Max Size Loss Average Size Loss kg107 kg100 kg18 kg44 cm17 cm

OUTCOMES of Project Weight Loss Over 12 months 300 participated in the program 15 – 20 % not completing due to health/life issues 40 % exercising independently in gym and activity based 40% remain in contact with program 45 participants in current program ( number limited due to staff and resources – demand would suggest 3 times more active at anyone time )

Sample Participants Comments “The company of others in the same situation and proper instruction and motivation.” “The staff are genuinely interested and keen to help.” “The clear instructions of staff and the push to improve without pushing too far. *I am delighted with how I feel.”

Sample Participants Comments “I am trying to adopt a new lifestyle-to be fitter and healthier.” “Movement is easier” “My breathing has improved. I am able to exercise for longer and my clothes feel a little looser.”

The Future Plan... Our VISION is to implement nationwide through ILAM and Sports Partnerships. HSE Health Promotion Unit NOW involved and endorse the program Cork Sport Partnership supporting initiative in County Leader Training for 8 centres be undertaken in Dec 2012 by LeisureWorld & HSE

Summary The Project proves we can help and we have the capability to improve lifestyle behaviours, the pilot scheme has provided the hard evidence of these facts and therefore they are not the aspirations of one person anymore...they are facts and we have made a difference to people’s lives!

Support our Industry needs... Include our industry in the fight against obesity we are an IMPORTANT STAKEHOLDER Key Agencies to Support & Endorse activities to improve participation through our Industry OTHER Reduce VAT on swimming and teaching children to swim BIK on leisure membership – counter productive! Health Insurance Incentives to reward the consumer for being active

Summary Leisure Industry Facilities & Personnel can support the family unit from cradle to grave with activities & education through multi disciplinary and a collaborative focus. ( CSPPA Study, ISC, Strategic Advice, pg 135) WE ARE PUTTING OUR HANDS UP TO HELP Let us HELP Our Industry is a great Resource but under Utilized at present

Active Children... Active Adults More people - More Active - More Often

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