The Ospreys in the Community team are all set to launch a brand-new, exciting project with Sporting Memories.
Using the power of sport and the Ospreys brand, the team will work to engage with older, socially isolated members of our community across Ospreylia and bring them together to share memories, re-connect and improve / maintain their physical and mental health.
Sporting memories can last a lifetime, and the idea of the project is to get older people together to talk about sport. It could be a game they once played in, a great match or memorable sports star from the past.
In the activity of reminiscing in a sociable setting, it is hoped there will be benefits in combating dementia, isolation and loneliness. After all, it's sometimes easier for any of us to remember when Shane Williams scored late in the Pro12 final to drive Ospreys towards the silverware, than where we left our phones.
The hopes are, once a sporting memory is sparked, the project will help lead someone towards participating in a physical activity.
As part of the project, Ospreys in the Community will work closely with local rugby clubs, to provide the friendly welcoming club environment for individuals to come along for a chat, meet new friends and participate in some of the activities on offer.
The project will also create many volunteering opportunities for both project participants and the wider community, ensuring that we have a clear intergenerational element to the project.
About the foundation
The Sporting Memories Foundation is the World's first charity dedicated to Sports Reminiscence & Physical Activities. This September is world Alzheimer’s Month and Saturday marks World Alzheimer’s Day, clubs and players across Wales are supporting the Memories Weekend.
The Sporting Memories project supports older people living with dementia, depression and loneliness by engaging them in social activities and helping them to recall memories of watching or playing sport. By sharing memories, such as recalling #MyFirstGame and tapping into a passion for sport the project helps people to connect with others and with their past, reawakening positive thoughts and feelings that otherwise remain hidden away.
The project partners delivering this ground breaking approach in Wales include Cardiff City FC Foundation, College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Derwen (Housing Association), Glamorgan County Cricket Club and Cricket Wales, Ospreys in the Community, Sporting Memories Network CIC, Swansea Council, Vi-Ability and The Pollen Shop.
Sporting Memories Weekend takes place on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 September, watch this space for more information throughout next week.