Leisure Industry key to Implementation
of Obesity Strategy
Presented by
Ms Christine Moloney
Mr Barry Walsh
More people - More Active - More Often
Introduction

Mr Barry Walsh,
Managing Director



Bsc Leisure Management
Msc Executive Leadership
20 years leisure experience
Private Leisure




1escape health club. , Smithfield
The Fitness Dock
Medfit proactive healthcare, Blackrock – Medical exercise
facility.
President of ILAM

Ms Christine Moloney
CEO, LeisureWorld
Cork City

Dip in Management / MBA

19 years in Leisure Industry


5 Sites – Public Leisure
110 personnel
Approx 1,000,000 visits pa
Provide Private swim lesson for 1,200 children per week
Provide accessible Pool time to 80 School Bookings per week

Vice President of ILAM



About US
 ILAM is a not for profit organisation
 National members employer body for the Leisure,
Fitness & Recreational Industry in 26 counties across
Ireland
 We represent leisure centres in public & private sector
outdoor pursuit centres, community centres,
& education providers
About ILAM
 There are approx 700 leisure centres in 26 counties
across Ireland (not incl Independent operators
community centres etc )
 Our Industry Employs a broad spectrum of
professionals for example fitness professional, Cardiac
Rehab, GP Referral, swim instructors, physio’s
Role of ILAM
A voluntary board who’s primary aim is to
self regulate our Industry and promote our
competencies to our Communities ...
•ILAM self regulates our industry through:
•White Flag Quality Standard
•Child Protection Code / Garda Vetting
•REPS Ireland
•Accessible Leisure Centres
ILAM STAKEHOLDERS
Consumer
/Public
Fitness
Professionals
Members
ILAM
Government
Departments
Suppliers
& NGB
Medical
Industry
Education
Authorities
&
Training
Providers
ILAM Strategic Partners
 IHRSA – Global Association
 EFHA – European Fitness Association ( based in
Brussels)
 FIA – UK Fitness Association
 Each body undertakes research and lobbies on behalf of
our industry to improve participation to tackle the
health issues facing our society due to inactivity
Purpose
 To present the opportunity that exists for the Leisure
Industry to implement Obesity strategies through
our facilities & personnel .......
Our Assumptions;
 The diagnosis processes is completed
 The Interventions processes are identified.
The question;
 HOW TO IMPLEMENT EFFECTIVELY ?
Participation
Leisure industry is ALL about increasing participation
Our facilities are currently in Communities
WE need:


Multi Level Partnership, collaboration and a common
vision
Commitment from all agencies, institutions and
organisations to make the change ...
• INCREASE PARTICAPTION !!!
(CSPPA, ISC, page 133)
WE ARE PUTTING OUR HANDS UP TO HELP
Referral Pathways ...
 Our Industry has the competencies and resources to
provide a referral pathway for obese/pre obese clients
before medical intervention is required
 Our industry is part of the multi disciplinary approach
to increase participation throughout our society as a
Primary Care solution
Example – MEND
UK model MEND to tackle obesity through Community
Implementation for 7 -13 year olds
Interventions through Behavioural change, land
based activities, water based activities & Nutrition
education
Settings for implementation are:
 After school , Community, Group-based Venues
include: schools, leisure centres, community centres
LeisureWorld Case Study
 Develop a project that will prove that our industry can
provide a sustainable and successful approach to
citizens whose health issues can be tackled
 Promote Leisure Industry as a key provider to open
pathways and offer direct access to the public that
would benefit from an exercise professional advice and
support
Project Weight Loss was born...
 Pilot 12 week program
 Initially advertising for 30 participants, who all have a
Body Mass Index (BMI) over 25 and are currently
inactive.
 The initial pilot project was oversubscribed with over
120 applicants
 60 participants initially accommodated.
 Supported by Cork Sport Partnership
Project Weight Loss Results –
12 weeks
Number
of
Participa
nts
60
•
Max
Start
Weight
Average
Start
Weight
Average
Finish
Weight
Max
Weight
Loss
Max
Average
Size Loss Size Loss
179 kg
107 kg
100 kg
18 kg
44 cm
17 cm
OUTCOMES of Project Weight Loss
• Over 12 months 300 participated in the program
• 15 – 20 % not completing due to health/life issues
• 40 % exercising independently in gym and activity
based
• 40% remain in contact with program
• 45 participants in current program ( number
limited due to staff and resources – demand would
suggest 3 times more active at anyone time )
Sample Participants Comments
 “The company of others in the same situation and
proper instruction and motivation.”
 “The staff are genuinely interested and keen to help.”
 “The clear instructions of staff and the push to improve
without pushing too far. *I am delighted with how I
feel.”
Sample Participants Comments
 “I am trying to adopt a new lifestyle-to be fitter and
healthier.”
 “Movement is easier”
 “My breathing has improved. I am able to exercise for
longer and my clothes feel a little
looser.”
The Future Plan ...
 Our VISION is to implement nationwide through
ILAM and Sports Partnerships.
 HSE Health Promotion Unit NOW involved and
endorse the program
 Cork Sport Partnership supporting initiative in County
 Leader Training for 8 centres be undertaken in Dec
2012 by LeisureWorld & HSE
Summary
 The Project proves we can help and we have the
capability to improve lifestyle behaviours, the pilot
scheme has provided the hard evidence of these facts
and therefore they are not the aspirations of one
person anymore...they are facts and we have made a
difference to people’s lives!
Support our Industry needs...
 Include our industry in the fight against obesity we are an
IMPORTANT STAKEHOLDER
 Key Agencies to Support & Endorse activities to improve
participation through our Industry
OTHER
 Reduce VAT on swimming and teaching children to swim
 BIK on leisure membership – counter productive!
 Health Insurance Incentives to reward the

consumer for being active
Summary
 Leisure Industry Facilities & Personnel can
support the family unit from cradle to grave
with activities & education through multi
disciplinary and a collaborative focus.
( CSPPA Study, ISC, Strategic Advice, pg 135)
WE ARE PUTTING OUR HANDS UP TO HELP
Let us HELP ......
Our Industry is a great Resource
but under Utilized at present
Active Children... Active Adults
More people - More Active - More Often
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING
More people - More Active - More Often