Operation Transformation gets the country moving

Operation Transformation gets the country moving

Thousands of people across Ireland are set to take part in the biggest ever RT Operation Transformation Nationwide Walks event this weekend at more than 70 venues across 26 counties.

With twenty new walks, this year s event, which has been organised in conjunction with Sport Ireland and the Local Sports Partnerships, is the biggest in the show s ten year history. More than 19,000 people took part in last year s Nationwide Walks and organisers are hoping to smash that record this time around.

The walks are open to all - young and old, experienced walkers and those looking to jump-start their January health kick - and will take place at venues throughout the country from 9.30am on Saturday 7 January, 2017.

The event is bigger and better this year to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Operation Transformation, sponsored by safefood, and to get as many people as possible across Ireland out and walking.

Operation Transformation Fitness expert Karl Henry said: "Walking is the easiest and most accessible exercise there is. It s great for all levels of fitness and gets the heart pumping. Our Nationwide Walks are an excellent opportunity toget your 2017 off to a great start and to support our five new leaders. It s totally free and walkers can take it at their own pace - but remember if you re not panting, you re not working hard enough."

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan TD who will be taking part in the walk in Knockane, Co.Limerick commented on the nationwide event: I would encourage everyone to participate in their local walk this Saturday. Recreational walking provides an accessible, low impact form of exercise and is suitable for all ages regardless of fitness levels. The annual Sport Ireland Operation Transformation nationwide walks are a very important event in the promotion of healthy living and the pursuit of exercise.

John Treacy, Chief Executive of Sport Ireland said: "Participation in physical activity is on the increase and recreational walking is hugely popular. The Irish Sport Monitor Annual Report highlighted recreational walking remains the most popular form of physical activity with 2.3 million participating weekly. Every year, thousands of people join our Local Sports Partnerships for the Nationwide Walks and the support they give each other, and the Operation Transformation leaders is fantastic."

Operation Transformation will be filming in various locations and we're inviting you to come along and join this year's leaders Chris, Marie, Maire d, Se n and Yvonne - at their home walks.

For further information on walks in your area visit: https://ot.rte.ie/events/nationwide-walks/

LINK:	http://www.rte.ie/about/en/press-office/press-releases/2017/0106/84309...
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