Stretch for biggest yoga event

Yoga mats will be rolled out across Village Green this Sunday as residents stretch for a cause at Rockingham's Biggest Yoga Event.

Body Prep Outdoor Group Training and Yoga owner Mandy Collins said she was holding the event to help the Warnbro Swans Integrated Football team raise much needed money.

"It is a great way to get the community involved in yoga but also to raise funds to help the team get what they need," she said.

Ms Collins said the team was given a taste of yoga at a training session last week and were hooked.

"Yoga complements their training, it's a great stretch and relaxation exercise for the body, it also focuses the mind," she said.

Whether you're a footy player, elderly, or young, Ms Collins said yoga was both enjoyable and beneficial.

Vice-president Wayne Hunt said the team was hoping to raise $1000 to buy new training jumpers and shorts.

"Integration is about the players being the same as everybody else, so if you want play football you train the same way you play, in shorts, a footy guernsey and boots," he said.

Mr Hunt said integrated football was about giving intellectually disabled people the chance to join a mainstream competition.

"It makes them feel part of the community, it builds their confidence, leadership skills, and friendship," he said.

Player Crystal Bushell, 16, said taking part in the yoga session last week helped her with her balance and concentration. Fellow player Ryan Light said he thought the club would benefit from more yoga sessions.

"I think the yoga course last week was excellent, our team had so much fun and really got into it and relaxed," he said.

Residents are encouraged to bring their own yoga mat on the day, but hiring or buying options will be available, with part proceeds going to the integrated team.