COVID-19 may have pulled the brakes on the annual When In Doubt – Pedal It Out charity cycle in Clare, but organisers are continuing to be in the picture when it comes to supporting mental health services.
A novel photograph competition has been instigated, with people from throughout County Clare being urged to submit images of what they are doing to exercise during these Level 5 restrictions.
Mayor of Ennis Councillor Paul Murphy, one of the organisers behind the annual cycle explains it is hoped this will motivate people and their families to get out and do exercise, which will support their physical and mental well being.
He says that while the annual fundraiser is based around cycling, people can send photographs of any kind of exercise to get involved. “Running, walking, cycling, jogging, swimming, walking the dog, whatever they may be doing outside within the 5kms of their home can be posted to the When In Doubt – Pedal it Out Facebook page or direct message us. The whole idea is to try and encourage people to get out there and get a breath of fresh air, and to send the message out there that physical activity does so much to help people’s well being.”
There will be a variety of prizes for the winning images, with the councillor saying he is looking forward to seeing what photographs will be sent in. The competition will run until December 1, when it is expected Level 5 lockdown will end. “There’s a good bit of time still for people to get involved and show us what they are doing to keep themselves active.” He adds it was “very disappointing” that the annual cycle ran by Clare Cycle Safety Initiative had to be cancelled due to Covid-19, with hundreds of bikes taking part on the road every year since its foundation. However, the cancellation was unavoidable under the current circumstances.
On a positive note, he adds, “By doing this online, it’s a way of keeping the cycle alive for next year and getting even more people involved.”
He urged those who may know somebody struggling with their mental health to contact them and ask if they are ok, along with encouraging them to get out and exercise.
He said that photograph initiative could be the impetus people need to get up and out and feel the benefits of physical activity on mental health.
Clare Sports Partnership have come onboard and are available to offer support to those new to exercise. Clare County Council and Michael Gleeson Insurance Ennis are also supporting the project.
Competition entries must adhere to current government and HSE guidelines during their activity and exercise must be outside in the fresh air and within 5kms of your home.
Participants must have an address in County Clare, with a maximum of four photos to be posted, one per week. The theme for photos should incorporate a physical exercise, the great outdoors, social distancing guidelines, mental health and above all fun. There are prizes in the family category, adult male and adult female. More details can be obtained at https://www.facebook.com/When-in-Doubt-Pedal-it-Out-233441104196513 or those not on Facebook, entries can also be emailed to clarecyclesafety@gmail.com with eircode and contact details.