If you’ve ever fancied having a go at the salsa-inspired dance fitness trend that’s Zumba, here’s your chance – and it’s all for charity.
 
Thanks to generous sponsorship from Zurich International Life Ltd, the Multiple Sclerosis Society IOM has the use of the main gym hall at the NSC for a full hour on Saturday 5 August between 2.30 and 330pm, Zumba instructor Jane Thompson will be teaching the basics to anyone, whatever their level of physical fitness, to raise money for this local charity.
 
“After our very successful ‘wheel and walk’ in April we wanted to make sure everyone, young or old, however fit or however disabled, could continue to be part of our fundraising, but we were stumped for ideas,” says MS Society committee member Rachel Hay.  “I went to the ‘Island’s Biggest Zumba’ event at the NSC a few years ago and really enjoyed it so I thought it would be a fun event for all the family.  Jane is both a qualified instructor and a friend of mine, so she was the obvious person to ask – and not only did she agree but she’s also donating her time for free.”
 
It all takes place on Saturday 5 August from 2.30pm, and for a minimum donation of just ?5 (or ?3 for accompanied children) anyone can join Jane, Rachel, MS Society supporters, people with MS and their friends and families in the NSC gym hall for some fitness fun.
 
“We thought we’d keep it simple,” continues Rachel.  “No sponsor forms, just an entry fee, which is ?5 for adults and ?3 for accompanied children, and every penny will go to the MS Society to be spent here on the Island.  We’d like to encourage anyone to come along - the hall holds 300 and we want to pack it out.”
 
And if you’re worried that you won’t be able to manage an hour’s Zumba, then don’t let this put you off.  The MS Society has laid on chairs for the less abled, or the less fit, and even if you’re in a wheelchair you can still take part.
 
“This isn’t a hi-energy dance class,” laughs Rachel. “We want everyone to enjoy themselves, so please come along on Saturday 5 August, have fun and raise some funds for a very worthy cause.”
 
You can sign up now by email to derekpatience@hotmail.com, or hayra76@googlemail.com or follow the links on www.facebook.com/MsSocietyIom/events  to register your interest, then just take your entry fee along on the day – remember it’s a minimum donation of ?5 or ?3 for children.