We continue the conversation by exploring the international perspectives of overseas visitors and keen walkers, Bill and Irfan.
In June, we welcomed Bill and Irfan to our Rainbow Walk & Conversation Café as part of LEAP Sports’ Festival Fortnight celebrations. Exploring themes of inclusion, safety and community on Health Walks during group conversations, Bill and Irfan were inspired to share their international walking story with us.
Irfan and Bill, keen walkers from Boston, Massachusetts often gravitate towards walking experiences during their international travels. Both men, who identify as members of the LGBTQIA+ community, have travelled widely across the United States, New Zealand and Europe - with the Netherlands, Ireland and Scotland as notable experiences.
Their international perspectives and enjoyment of varied walking experiences are valuable - they speak passionately about the power and importance of moving regularly, and how inclusive walking groups, such as Health Walks, can encourage community and connections.
During a timely visit to Glasgow, Bill and Irfan connected with OUT on Sundays, a member of the Scottish Health Walk Network (SHWN). After meeting Health Walk Leaders Bill Gardiner and Tommy Clarke, Bill and Irfan were invited to join them on a trip to Stirling. They enjoyed the unique opportunity to join our bespoke Rainbow Walk & Conversation Café in June as part of the annual Festival Fortnight, delivered by LEAP Sports Scotland.
Bill, with a background in public health, and Irfan, working in finance, have taken a valuable break from work to travel the world. Both gentlemen have valued the power of walking and physical activity. Through walking, they have discovered a love for exploring new cultures, connecting with others and with the natural environment one step at a time.
We actively reach out to walking groups wherever we go. Walking with a group of people gives us that chance to explore the cultures and enjoy local perspectives away from busy tourist areas. Walking also allows us to explore the landscape and to connect to the place as if we lived there. We get to see what it would be like to live there as a local.
Our Rainbow Walk & Conversation Café, delivered during Festival Fortnight, was part of an exciting line up of inclusive events throughout Pride Month. Our rainbow themed Health Walk welcomed members of the LGBTQIA+ community, allies and advocating organisations to show support and solidarity.
Irfan speaks of the importance of walking regularly and the incredible social aspect that walking as a group can offer.
Walking is now a big part of our lives", says Irfan. "When you're in your 20s and 30s, walking isn't likely to be a priority. But, as you age and issues arise with your health, it becomes important to fit walking into your life.
I used to be a keen runner. But injuries to my calf led me to pursue other forms of physical activity.
As a gentle and free form of movement, walking (and wheeling) can enable those with varying levels of physical activity to explore their local community and connect with nature in local parks and greenspaces; offers valuable time to catch up with loved ones, friends or colleagues, or to take time to pause, plan, reflect or simply to breath and relax.
There’s an opportunity for all - the Scottish Health Walk Network (SHWN) supports the delivery of over 870 regular Health Walks in communities across Scotland. Health Walks, such as our Rainbow Walk, offer a low-level, accessible and friendly opportunity to walk or wheel at your own pace, and offer impactful benefits to health, wellbeing and social inclusion.
Whether a walking group is specifically oriented to the LGBTQIA+ community is not an important aspect to Bill and Irfan, when researching local groups. However, Bill and Irfan highlight that the warm welcome they receive when joining a local walking group has helped them feel part of the community.
Our ongoing body of work around equality and inclusion supports the SHWN to continue diversifying Health Walks, and to welcome people of all ages, abilities and experiences to move more in a way that is right for them. International perspective on walking, such as Bill’s and Irfan’s can positively shape our approach to achieving this goal.
You can read more about our Rainbow Walk & Conversation Café here.
Find a Health Walk local to you here, or find out more about the Scottish Health Walk Network here.
If you are keen to organise your own event during the 2025 Festival Fortnight, contact LEAP Sports Scotland.