Heart disease sufferers' chance to take part in Cardiac Olympics

SHEFFIELD is set to host the country’s first Cardiac Olympics tomorrow to help to raise awareness of heart disease.

The event will be held at Concord Sports Centre in Shiregreen to coincide with national “Wear it Red Day”, which aims to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.

During the day, sufferers of coronary heart disease who visit the sports centre will be able to compete in low-impact, low-intensity sporting activities.

Barbara Sharp from Sheffield Council’s Activity Sheffield arm, which has helped to organise the Cardiac Olympics, said: “It’s a great initiative to get involved with.

“We’ve designed some sports events for people to try including curling, bowling and some target sports, so anyone of any ability can take part.

“Teams can have fun in a competitive sports environment, which many will not have been able to do for a number of years due to health problems.”

Other events taking place at Concord Sports Centre tomorrow, also to mark Wear It Red Day, will include blood pressure and cholesterol checks run by representatives from Lloyds Pharmacy.

Visitors will also be able to try a unique cardiovascular Hearty Circuits fitness class at 11am, which is designed especially for people aged over 50 or with medical conditions. An optional donation of 1 will go directly to the British Heart Foundation.

Dave Birds, fitness specialist at Concord Sports Centre, which is operated by Sheffield International Venues (SIV), said: “We wanted to hold an event to highlight the importance of activity for people with heart disease.

“Activity can reduce the risk of heart problems by as much as 50 per cent, and what better way to promote it than through a series of activities held on the day dedicated to the nation’s hearts.

“People can get together, have a laugh, and raise a bit of money for charity.”

To take part in any of the events, or to find out more, contact Mr Birds on 0114 2574426.

Other activities taking place in Sheffield to mark Wear It Red day will include an eight-hour “spinathon” at Graves Tennis and Leisure Centre. Organisers and members of the public will be cycling continuously from 9am to 5pm.