- Portaferry Sports Centre - now reopened - see temporary opening times and exercise class timetable.
Courses and Programmes
Take a look at the many courses and programmes available across the borough.
Courses and Programmes
See below for sporting and wellbeing opportunities open to everyone young and old, in the Ards and North Down area.
Weight Management Programme
The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust is running the - MOMENTA ADULT WEIGHT MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME.
The programme is a weight loss and healthy lifestyle intervention, introducing behavioural change skills to maximise outcomes from the programme, such as keeping food and activity diaries, setting SMART goals and tracking weight.
The programme is available to anyone who is over 18 years, has a Body Mass Index of over 25, is motivated to adopt a healthier lifestyle and lives in the South Eastern Trust area.
If you are interested in the programme or would like more details, contact the trust on 07890 022499 or email: adultweightmanagementservice@setrust.hscni.net
Sports Education Programme 2023-24
We are delighted to announce that the 2023-2024 Sports Education Programme, organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council is now open for bookings.
We are hosting courses in first aid, designated officer and safeguarding and including a new ‘GO COACHING’ award for all budding/future coaches.
You can view our leaflet which provides more information by clicking here.
For registration forms please contact Robert.geary@sportsdevelopment.gov.uk
Community Bike Rides
Free social leisure rides for adults of all ages. Looking for a reason to get back on your bike? Here’s your opportunity. Follow your local leader on a group ride or join our growing community by taking part in a solo bike ride of your choice.
For more details visit the Community Bike Rides website or Facebook page by following the relevant link below.
You can also email them at communitybikerides@cyclingireland.ie
Sport NI - Sports Wellbeing Hub
Sport NI has been working with Inspire Wellbeing to develop an online resource hub around Mental Health and Wellbeing for sports, and you will be glad to know that we are ready to go out live to the sporting community today to launch this.
The Sport Wellbeing Hub, provides a fantastic range of innovative tools and resources, which will help is deal with the challenges we are all experiencing at this time, including:
- Guided self-assessment via ‘Chatbot’;
- Self-help programmes and digital intervention tools;
- Searchable ‘5 ways to wellbeing’ map;
- Wellbeing information library; and
- Video content featuring some of our sporting heroes talking about mental health.
Whether looking for some advice or need a little more direction, please visit The Sports Wellbeing Hub
Working With Parents In Sport
Working With Parents in Sport have recently produced a new book entitled ‘Two Hats: A guide for those coaching or thinking of coaching their own children. As well as this they have created a range of webinars that may be of use to coaching, clubs or parents within your sport. Information on these can be accessed via the following link: https://www.parentsinsport.co.uk/bespoke-services/.
If you wish to contact Working With Parents in Sport by email, contact: workingwithparentsinsport@gmail.com
NI & Ulster Championship Bangor 10k
The NI & Ulster Championship Bangor 10k is an all-inclusive event for all abilities. Past events have attracted Olympians such as Paul Pollock, National Marathon Champion (Irl) Laura Graham, local athletes, new athletes and wheelchair participants.
The race starts in Castle Park, near the front of the Town Hall, Bangor at 10am. The route is fairly flat and fast, with a short hill around 9k. On leaving Castle Park runners will run through Bangor town centre before heading out along the coast and countryside to Groomsport. The route will loop through Groomsport once again meeting the coast for the penultimate km back to Bangor. The finish area is in Ward Park in Bangor, where there is plenty of space to rest and enjoy the atmosphere and refreshments.
The race will be chip timed and part of The Cinema Coffee 10k Grand Prix race series.
The total prize fund, of over £3400, will include the usual age category prizes, for both male & female winners.
For further information and to register, please visit: SiEntries - NI & Ulster Championship Bangor 10k
For general enquiries, please contact: events@northdownac.co.uk
Ards Half Marathon - Friday 30 June 2023
Ards Half Marathon and 9 mile walk returns this year meeting at Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex. The Half Marathon takes in a loop of Ards town, then to Comber via the Scrabo Road with beautiful views, returning to the Complex along the carriageway and Moate Road. If you like a slower pace, you can also join the 9-mile walk.
The Half Marathon will be chip timed, officially measured with a generous prize fund. It will take place on Friday 30 June with an official start time of 6.30pm.
Entry details:
www.scrabostriders.com/open-races
Queries:
Newtownardshm@gmail.com
Pictured is Mayor of Ards and North Down
Karen Douglas, along with Hannah Robinson from
Scrabo Striders and Robbie Geary, Sports and
Recreation Development Officer
Sport Awards
The aim of the Awards Ceremony is to recognise, promote and reward local sporting achievement of teams and individuals across the Ards and North Down Borough.
The 2023 Sport Awards will be held at the Clandeboye Hotel, March 1st 2024.