PR 296

For Immediate Release

7 December 2006

A survey by Sport England has warned people in Norfolk that they need to take more exercise.

The national target for people taking 30 minutes of exercise three days a week is 20.5 per cent, in Norfolk 19.6 are making the grade.

In Great Yarmouth it is 17.25 per cent, despite the many options available.

Centres including the Marina, local schools, clubs and community centres offer a range of activities from swimming to exercise and dance classes.

The Sports Partnership, which is run by the Borough Council in partnership with local organisations and agencies including the Primary Care Trust and Active Norfolk, offers several programmes and classes for all ages and every degree of fitness.

If organised sport is not to someone’s taste the PCT has collaborated with the Mercury to produce a book of local walks of between 2.5 and four miles.

“The Sport Partnership has worked hard to bring funding to the Borough to provide the opportunities to encourage people to become more active,” said Community Services Sections Head, Marie Hartley.

“The survey shows that we still have a way to go to reach the national average, but we want to better that. There are activities and events all year round to interest people.

“Too many young people do not get enough exercise. Over the last two years we have introduced power kiting, a programme which is about to be extended to offer more activity choices. There are a wealth of activities aimed at youngsters from skateboarding to football.

“Last year we purchased a TranSport stadium which is a mobile outdoor unit used throughout the Borough to give young people a taste of several sports including basketball and football. That is in addition to the eight multi-use games areas around the Borough which are free.

“But we still need people to take the time to discover what there is on offer. We have a cultural directory which outlines what is available. It can be obtained from the town hall, tourist information office, libraries, CLIP offices or telephone the Council’s Sports Development Officer on 01493 846446 or email jp@great-yarmouth.gov.uk.

“The Sport Partnership in Great Yarmouth is one of the best in the region and we will continue working together to fund more programmes to encourage even more people to become active.”

Copies of the Great Walks publication can be obtained from Paul Brice LEAP Co-ordinator, Great Yarmouth & Waveney PCT, Morton Peto Road, Harfreys Industrial Estate, Great Yarmouth NR31 0LT or email paulbrice@nhs.net.

For further information contact Community Services Sections Head, Marie Hartley on 01493 846354 or 07760 166308.

Picture Caption: Walkers taking the air in Hemsby.



Issued by:
Liz Dann
Press Officer
Great Yarmouth Borough Council
01493 846513