The Office of Sport is pleased to announce the Walking with Pleasure Program will be transitioning to Heart Foundation Walking from 20 June 2020.
Heart Foundation Walking is Australia’s largest free walking network, with more than 1,200 groups across the country.
Similar to Walking for Pleasure, Heart Foundation Walking provides an opportunity for individuals to join an existing walking group or start their own, with more than 260 groups already established in NSW.
Having supported more than 100,000 participants in Heart Foundation Walking programs over the past 24 years, Walking for Pleasure clubs and their members will have access to new walking opportunities, dedicated resources and support from staff.
With COVID-19 restrictions easing, the Office of Sport and the Heart Foundation believed that now is the best time to start this transition process.
Office of Sport Executive Director Gary Rake acknowledged the hard work and history of the Walking for Pleasure Program.
“Walking for Pleasure has a long-standing history, with more than 40 clubs and 1,000 participants across NSW”, Mr Rake said.
“Without the hard work of our club coordinators and walk leaders in local communities it would not have been possible to deliver such a valuable program, assisting people to stay active and social”.
Heart Foundation Director of Active Living, Adjunct Professor Trevor Shilton, welcomed the Walking for Pleasure participants into the Heart Foundation Walking program.
“Heart Foundation Walking is thrilled that our national network of walkers will be joined by the Walking for Pleasure participants, and look forward to seeing them when the COVID-19 restrictions ease,” Professor Shilton said.
“Our walking program is long-running and well-organised. It is run by a team of Heart Foundation staff, as well volunteer Walk Organisers at each location. We are confident this transition will be smooth, and that the new recruits from Walking for Pleasure will continue to enjoy the many social and health benefits of walking within their new Heart Foundation family.”
Walking for Pleasure participants will be supported throughout the transition process by Office of Sport and Heart Foundation Walking staff.
Further information about the Walking for Pleasure program transition can be found on the Office of Sport website.