Hitting a home run for health

People with a disability at the Endeavour Foundation’s Lawnton Learning and Lifestyle hub are stepping up their exercise regime as part of a campaign to boost fitness and raise money.

During May, the disability service provider is encouraging staff, clients, and supporters to do any physical activity they want for 30 minutes a day to improve their fitness levels and support local services as part of the Home Run for health program.

Lawnton Learning and Lifestyle hub manager Sarita Alay-ay is a certified yoga instructor and says she loves sharing her passion with clients.

“Everyone absolutely loves it – one of our clients uses the breathing exercises to help regulate his moods and we have adapted yoga techniques to use in any of our physical activities,” Sarita says.

Get involved

She says the Home Run program’s theme of ‘move your way this May’ is inspiring clients and their families to boost their physical activity.

Lawnton’s Learning and Lifestyle hub has a calendar of activities for each day of the month, including circuit training, walking, aerobics, boxing, dance and chair exercise.

“We want you to run, dance, roller-skate, or do yoga – anything and everything is possible – for just 30 minutes a day in May,” Sarita says.

“Physical activity is linked to improved quality of life for people with a disability, but we know many people face barriers to participating in sport and other activities.

“Let’s break down those barriers together with Home Run.”

Fundraising goals

As well as improving health, Home Run gives clients and staff at each Endeavour Foundation service the opportunity to nominate a fundraising goal for their service.

Sarita says Lawnton has decided to raise money to buy more exercise equipment for its gym, and has registered for Home Run as the Pump it Up team.

“We’re hoping for more weights and treadmills, as well as ellipticals and we want a few more bikes too,” she says.

How to donate

“We take our clients out to other gyms, but it would be great to be able to do it here.”

Sarita says Lawnton Living and Learning hub participants are already seeing the benefits of regular exercise.

“Every client her has shown a passion for doing something for their wellbeing.”

Donate to the Endeavour Foundation Lawnton Living and Learning hub’s Pump it Up fundraiser here or find other team fundraisers here.