WARNING: 72º/º of us need to be more active
WITH just 18 per cent of West Norfolk's population taking part in physical activity three times a week, and nearly half shunning regular exercise altogether, it comes as no surprise that obesity and its related health problems are becoming a huge national problem.
But with so many clubs and associations out there ready to help people become more active, there’s no reason why everyone can’t benefit from a healthier lifestyle.
And with Lynn’s Bespak Great East Anglia Run just weeks away, and the Inter Village Games and Lifestyles – the borough’s extreme sports festival – set to take place in the summer, there’s never been a better time for residents to think about getting fit.
With that in mind, representatives from key organisations across the borough yesterday launched a major new campaign, Let’s Get Active, at Lynnsport.
Councillor Elizabeth Nockolds, West Norfolk Council’s cabinet member for sports, arts and open spaces, said: “Recent research has turned up some disturbing figures relating to people’s activity levels. Nationally, only 21 per cent of the population take part in a physical activity three times a week. In West Norfolk this drops to 18 per cent.
“We all know that exercise can bring many health benefits with it but we also think it can help bring people together socially.”
Partners involved in the campaign include Lynn’s College of West Anglia, Norfolk Primary Care Trust, Active Norfolk, West Norfolk Council, King Edward VII School Sport Partnership, West Norfolk Sports Council, Improving Neighbourhoods, the West Norfolk Partnership and Age Concern.
Roger Partridge, the borough council’s sports development manager, said Let’s Get Active was all about raising awareness of all the activities and clubs that exist in the borough, and encouraging people to try something new.
“We understand that sometimes the biggest barrier to taking up a new sport is knowing where to go and how to get started. We are hoping to make that easier by producing a new directory of sport to point people in the right direction,” he said.
“West Norfolk has a wealth of clubs and associations which are ready to help people on their way to a new healthier, more active lifestyle.”
The campaign also aims to inspire more people to become coaches or village sports co-ordinators, he added.
Other initiatives planned include the West Norfolk Sports Council’s Sports Taster Roadshows. Organisers plan to visit ten rural locations over the 12-month campaign introducing local residents to a whole host of activities ranging from archery and table tennis to football, judo and climbing.
Chairman Geoff Sturgeon commented: “We believe this will give people a golden opportunity to try something new and will perhaps help to take the fear out of taking part in sporting activity.
“We also hope it will encourage people to set up activities locally. It’s an initiative that has seen an increase in the number of carpet bowls clubs and we hope that by offering a wider variety of sport to try some of the more unusual activities will become established in rural areas.”
Other planned activities include the setting up of running clubs for women, basketball clubs, raising the profile of cycle paths and walks.
Campaign organisers are keen to hear from clubs and associations who are running activities this year. They are also keen to hear from anyone who has made a decision to get active and wants to share their story.
“Being active isn’t just about competitive sport. It can be about gentle exercise such as walking or swimming or it could be something a little different such as taking part in a tea dance,” said Sian Kendrick Jones of Norfolk Primary Care Trust.
“It really is anything that keeps you moving and helps to get your blood circulating and muscles flexing, and it should be appropriate to your level of fitness and mobility.
“We hope to demonstrate to people through this campaign that there is an activity to suit everyone – regardless of age, sex or ability.”
She said many people would have read about the benefits of an active lifestyle and how it can help combat obesity, and lower the risk of heart disease, strokes and certain cancers, but she said many people also gain a sense of “well-being” and feel less isolated.
For further information visit www.letsgetactive.org.uk or telephone 01553 818015/7/8.
amy.collett@lynnnews.co.uk
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Weather for King's Lynn
Sunday 27 May 2012
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Temperature: 9 C to 26 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
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