Last weekend saw the latest event put on by The Longevity Games at the County Ground Athletics Track by its founder Tim Howe. The event aimed at promoting long-term health, wellness, fitness for life and of course ‘Longevity’ is a fitness challenge with a difference, unlike other fitness events that pit you against others, The Longevity Games is a community spirited event where your competition is yourself, supported by both volunteers and fellow competitors of the event.
The founder of this community fitness event to promote long-term physical and mental health in Swindon is now looking to the future of The Longevity Games moving into 2025 and to make it a regular event in the town.
Tim Howe has been encouraging people of all ages and abilities to participate in functional exercises aimed at maintaining mobility, improving strength and balance, enhancing cardiovascular health, promoting social interaction, boosting mental health and enhancing general quality of life. The exercises involved throughout the event are designed to work the body for normal daily life and to maintain it long term, exercises that mimic activities such as standing up out of a chair, picking up shopping bags and even getting on the floor to play with your children and grand children.
The first event was back in May at The County Ground Athletics Track, home to Swindon Harriers, has been given support from businesses such as sponsors Richard James Estate Agents and South West Mortgages, local gyms current Swindon North MP, Will Stone, local councillors including Junab Ali and former Swindon South MP, Sir Robert Buckland.
Speaking earlier this year, Sir Robert Buckland said “The Longevity Games have been carefully planned by their founder, Tim Howe, who has been deeply involved in grassroots fitness groups over the past four years.
The activities are suitable for novice, intermediate and proficient levels and I am calling on all local residents to get involved”.
The weekends event saw over 56 people take on the challenge along with over 30 volunteers who helped make the event run smoothly, giving up their Sunday morning to support Tim and his mission to help get Swindon get fit and healthy.
Official Partner of The Longevity Games.
Speaking to Tim after the event, it was apparent he was overwhelmed with the support and turnout from those taking part in the event. He said “Swindon for some time has been ranked one of the unhealthiest towns in the country, I just felt I needed to do something about that. Poor health across the country is crippling the NHS and Social Services, something has to be done to motivate and bring together people to get fit and I think with support, The Longevity Games can do its part to change things for the better in Swindon.”
Tim went on to say “The Longevity Games is for all abilities and if you can’t do something, there’s no pressure. Often events can be strict and intimidating and people feel they need to be perfect at something. The average person gets forgotten but I’d rather someone progress here than not try it.”
“The aim of The Longevity Games is to build sense of achievement and satisfaction by both those taking part and the amazing volunteers that help make this event possible and to help people make lifestyle changes and turn their life around.”
Official Partners of The Longevity Games.
Tim has big plans for The Longevity Games, to not only make it a regular event to help people of Swindon, but to also take it nationally like Park Run has been able to achieve, bringing on board fitness and health professionals such as Personal Trainers, Nutritionists, Physios and the NHS.
Speaking to Will Stone MP shortly after he finished his final lap around the County Ground Track, he said “I participated to give this amazing event my support as a member of parliament and someone who has been passionate about sport, health and fitness. I love how this event is so inclusive and supportive of all abilities, aiming to improve quality of life within this community event”
Will went on to say “I’m passionate about getting behind people in the community who are also supporting the people of Swindon, The Longevity Games therefore is an obvious event to get behind”.
The event has been which has been supported by Richard James Estate Agents & South West Mortgages who have kindly sponsored the Finishers t-shirts, water bottles and promo videos is already planning for the next event that will be some time in 2025 has already opened the ‘Waiting List’ to show interest for the next event on their website, just click HERE and enter your details.
Entertainment Swindon 
Leave a comment