Chessercise puts oomph into board game at regional venues

Don your active wear and brush up on your chess strategies for the first season of Chessercise that is coming to three venues across the Toowoomba Region in the first half of 2022.

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) today (February 24) launched the new activity that is coming to Meringandan West, Hodgson Vale and Pittsworth as part of the Queensland Government’s ActiveKit Program.

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said Council appreciated the state government’s funding for the Everyone’s Game initiative that was provided under the ActiveKIT program.

“Council’s Change Project is adding another activity that will encourage residents to be more active, as well as stimulate the mind,” Mayor Antonio said.

“We know residents across the Region need to be more active to improve their general health and wellbeing. I encourage chess players to try the new active slant on the game and newcomers to try the activity.”

TRC Environment and Community Services Committee chair Cr James O’Shea said the award-winning Change Project was a perfect starting point for residents who wished to join a communal activity session.

“Council is responding to feedback from a past ACTIVATE survey that identified residents wanted to participate in social sport,” Cr O’Shea said.

“With the assistance of the state government funding, the Change Project is partnering with our provider Ted Carter from Ascend Learning to offer a more physical version of chess.

“Chessercise combines the mental agility needed to outwit your opponent with fun activities promoting simple physical exercise between moves. It’s beginner friendly and suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

“The Everyone’s Game (sport done differently) Initiative supports suitably qualified coaches to trial a social sports program that allows residents to participate in a program where no uniforms or skills are required.

“With a pay-as-you-go system, and a fun social environment, it's a great way to meet new people while learning a new sport or activity and being active.

“The first of the Everyone’s Game activities starts at Meringandan West on Sunday, March 6, consisting of three, four-week sessions. This will be followed by similar four-week sessions at Hodgson Vale starting on April 24, then Pittsworth from June 5.”

Cr O’Shea said Council was planning to schedule additional social activities as part of this initiative, including tennis, rugby league, mixed sports and soccer.

He said Council still had limited positions for interested sports coaches to apply to be part of the Everyone’s Game (sport done differently) initiative.

Cr O’Shea said more than 1300 residents had participated in 307 Change Project activities in February 2022.

For details, please visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/change or call 131 872.

Chessercise dates and locations:

Meringandan West: When: Each Sunday for 4 weeks from 6 March, 1-1.45pm Where: Lilyvale Oval, Meringandan West Cost: $5 per person, per session Register here

Hodgson Vale: When: Each Sunday for 4 weeks from 24 April, 1-1.45pm Where: Lions Park Cost: $5 per person, per session Register here

Pittsworth When: Each Sunday for 4 weeks from 5 June, 1-1.45pm Where: Bridgeman Oval (Gazebo) Cost $5 per person, per session Register here

Bookings are essential. Please contact Ted by calling 0490 759 037, email [email protected] or register online via the link under each location.

Background

ActiveKIT is a new initiative under the Activate! Queensland 2019 – 2029 Strategy providing up to $4.34 million in targeted funding.

The ActiveKIT initiative is being delivered in collaboration with Health and Wellbeing Queensland

Caption:  Cr James O’Shea (left), Ted Carter from Ascend Learning and Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio launching the new Chessercise program.