Wanderers Senior Mobility Classes in Brightwater recently celebrated their fourth anniversary with reflections on their growth and impact.
Founded by Marty Davis, who travelled from Auckland to join the festivities, the classes have evolved significantly since their humble beginnings in an empty building with a few friends and a personal trainer.
Initially sparked by an ACC seminar addressing elderly falls, the classes have grown to serve around 70 seniors from across Tasman. Their success is attributed to the participants' enthusiasm and the tangible benefits they experience in balance and strength, prompting them to invite others to join.
“The success of any venture is how well it works after the founder goes and this is just flourishing,” Marty explains. “None of this would be happening today if it wasn’t for the wonderful volunteers.”
“We didn’t realise that it would develop as well as it has, hearing people say they look forward to coming and that they invite their friends to come has created more than just an exercise group, there is a real sense of community where we are all looking out for each other,” says Wanderers Senior Mobility Class instructor and personal trainer James Cooper.
Support for the expanding group has come from Age Concern, Mainland Foundation, The Rātā Foundation, Taylors Contracting, The New Zealand Community Trust, and Wanderers Community Sports Club underscoring community recognition of the programme's value.
The increasing popularity has outgrown the original facility, prompting ongoing upgrades and expansions to accommodate the growing numbers. Progress has been made in expanding the small building over the past year, although limited funding has slowed the process, requiring further work to fully meet the group's needs.
“Creating a space fit for purpose where participants can continue to invite others to come is important for the longevity of the program,” James adds.
To raise essential funds for the ongoing building expansion, the group has organised a sports quiz night at Wanderers Community Sports Club on Friday, 9 August, at 7 pm. For more information or to register a team, please contact jimmy@wandererssports.co.nz
