Latest News

Special Olympics Ireland Winter Games coming to Craigavon!

For the first time ever, Northern Ireland will host the Special Olympics Ireland Winter Games at South Lake Leisure Centre and Craigavon Golf and Ski Centre from Friday 22 to Sunday 24 March 2024. With 207 athletes from all corners of Ireland set to participate in the three-day residential games, Team Ulster celebrated its own…

PRIMARY SCHOOL GIRLS INSPIRED TO REMAIN ACTIVE

‘Girls Active’ is an initiative from the Youth Sport Trust charity, which is run in partnership with Women in Sport. The programme aims to tackle the declining participation in physical activity by girls and its associated implications for health, wellbeing and academic attainment. The programme also encourages teachers and girls to work together, empowering them…

Gene’s remarkable recovery with the help of PARS

After having a stroke in 2021, legendary local comedian Gene Fitzpatrick has been on a mission to be more active. Almost immediately after being given the green light by doctors to get moving, Gene was determined to get back on his feet. He started walking outside around home and joined the gym at Banbridge Leisure…

Fallen out of love with working out?

We know the physical and mental benefits of getting active but sometimes it’s just hard to get going! Anthony Lawlor, a fitness advisor with getactiveabc, shares his advice to help you rekindle your love for exercising. Let’s get moving Working out doesn’t have to be sweating it out at the gym or being screamed at…

Boccia – Disability Sport NI Schools’ Championships

South Lake Leisure Centre was a hive of competitive energy for yesterday’s Disability Sport NI Schools’ Boccia Championships for special schools and learning support centres. We welcomed pupils and mentors from Lismore College (Craigavon), Ceara School (Lurgan), Banbridge High School and Arvalee School (Omagh) for a fun-filled day of competitive Boccia – a target sport…

Children’s Mental Health Week – Growing up can be tough!

Navigating life and all its ups and downs can be overwhelming for children. As parents, guardians, teachers and leaders, we want to support and guide young minds as best we can to promote positive mental health. Christie Mc Mahon, Physical Activity Coach with ABC Council delivers a variety of sports and physical activities across the…

Get outdoors & explore with ABC audio trails

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough (ABC) Council has launched a new and exciting app which hosts six audio trails to ensure park users of all ages and abilities can learn more about nature, history and wildlife. The ExploreABC app allows visitors to connect to a series of self-guided walking tours across Lurgan Park and…

Walking football – a new way to enjoy the beautiful game!

It’s game on at Gilford Community Centre as the next season of walking football kicks off on Monday 5 February from 1.30-2.30pm. The programme will run for 6 weeks until 11 March. As the name suggests, walking football is a game of football where players walk instead of run, offering a slower paced version of…

New year’s resolutions starting to wane?

Did you ring in the new year with new fitness, health or lifestyle goals? Maybe you promised yourself you’d try new things or do more of what you love. We’ve all been there, done that and the struggle is real! In reality, things may not be going to plan or you’ve called it quits altogether?…

Top tips to motivate yourself for a winter walk!

Let’s get you good to go for a winter walk. Sometimes taking the first step can be the hardest, and once it’s done, there’s no stopping you! Getting outdoors into the fresh air can do wonders for our physical and mental health and wellbeing. Here are some top tips to help motivate and inspire you:…