by BOB GRYLLS
Whitewater Reporter
WHITEWATER REGION (Westmeath) — Three years ago, the Westmeath District Recreation Association inquired if the Whitewater Active Living Group in Westmeath would be responsible for an hour’s skate Friday afternoons at one o’clock.
Mike Wendorf, as co-ordinator, along with Sheila Paras and Cheryl Spotswood, volunteered to run the program.
This year because of changes involving arenas, the township is now overall responsible. The skating fits nicely into the township’s integrated activity plans, Mr. Wendorf said.
“The goal is to have somewhere for adults to be active, which is more important than making money,” he said.
Participation is growing gradually with turnouts ranging from six to 20 skaters of all ages, Mr. Wendorf noted.
Mary Garfat compared skating to the bi-weekly broomball she organizes, which is held on specifically designated late Sunday afternoons.
“I like the skating because it is so relaxing, but then I like broomball too because it is active and inclusive of all ages,” she said.
