Marathon runner has stamina to manage Forum

Mark Conway • Published 29 Jul 2010 16:00 0 Comments

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Emma McManus, the new manager of the Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen.

A yoga teacher in her spare time, Emma McManus, the new manager of the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum, believes she has the flexibility to lead the recently refurbished Forum into a new era at the forefront of leisure provision in the county.

And having completed two marathons, the Tempo native is sure that she has the staying power to successfully manage one of Fermanagh's most important and popular leisure facilities.

Indeed, the former St. Mary's PS, Tempo, St. Fanchea's, Mount Lourdes and QUB student, who also studied business management in the United States, has a strong track record in business and retail management. For the past number of years, she has been working in retail management in Belfast looking after the Smithfield Market, St. George's Market and the Continental market. Originally Foy before marrying, Emma's parents and family circle are well known in Tempo.

The Lakeland Forum, however, will present a very different challenge but it is one that Emma is looking forward to while one of the big attractions was also the opportunity to return to her native county after ten years working away from 'home'.

"It will be a very different job but I am a yoga teacher in my spare time so I have that link with the leisure industry. I have always enjoyed sport and have completed two marathons. One of the main attractions also was getting back to Fermanagh and I never thought the Forum job would come up so I was delighted to get successfully through the application process. I am married to a Fermanagh man so I was always going to end up coming home," laughs Emma.

Directing the future of leisure provision in Enniskillen is the challenge that lies ahead for Emma and she wants to ensure that it is inclusive and available for all.

"I think we need to look after the people who excel at sport but also we need to make sport more inclusive and the connection with health and well being is such an important one. Fitness fits right into that. It is not just about having the biggest muscles but helping your mental health, physical health and recovery from illnesses. You don't have to be the best at sport but just give it a go and we will try to make it that bit more inclusive," believes Emma.

She adds: "In Fermanagh we have a small proportion of the population that are elite athletes and there are some great examples of that for such a small county but I think everyone can be involved in sport be it walking, gentle swimming, gentle exercise and then take it as far as you want. It is more about enjoying it and getting it built into people's everyday programme."

Now it is all about letting everyone know what the new-look Forum with its new-look manager has to offer.

"I think the refurbishment has helped reawaken people's awareness of the Forum but now it is making people aware of what we offer inside it and around it. There is a lot going on in the Forum and my predecessors have done a great job. There are so many people across the spectrum using the Forum, it really is a credit to everyone and I will try build upon what has been done before, bring a few ideas and listen to what the public want as well."

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 29 Jul 10

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