More than 1000 youngsters inspired into sport as legacy programme gathers momentum
More than 1000 young people in the West of England have been inspired to do sport in their own time in the first six months of Sport England’s Sportivate Olympic and Paralympic legacy initiative.
Teenagers in Bristol have experienced futsal through a six week Sportivate project delivered by Bristol City Community Trust. These sessions have been a huge success and and since being introduced to the game, eight players have now signed up to enter a team in a regular social Futsal Youth League in Bristol.
Over in Bath, Minerva Bath Rowing Club ran a six week learn to row course for 14-18 year olds that have never experienced the sport before. This Sportivate project has been a resounding success with 100% of the participants choosing to join the rowing club at the end of the six weeks.
Young mothers in Bath have also been inspired to get active through a Sportivate dance project that took place in Twerton. Sportivate funding was accessed to kick-start the project which has seen 25 women access the classes This is another great example of a sustainable project, as it has now been taken on by the local leisure provide, Aquaterra Leisure and attendance continues to grow. This is providing a much needed physical activity opportunity for young mothers to engage with around their work and childcare commitments.
Responding to the legacy pledge made by Seb Coe in Singapore in 2005, Sportivate is aimed at 14- to 25-year-olds who currently aren’t playing sport in their own time, giving them the chance to find a sport they enjoy. The young people are then helped to find a club or venue where they can keep taking part.
Wesport is running Sportivate in the West of England, covering Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset.
Wesport’s Project Officer, Sarah Mcleod, said,
“The Sportivate Programme is a fantastic opportunity to use the buzz and excitement of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to inspire more young people to take part in sport and be part of the mass participation legacy of the Games. It provides a great opportunity to try a new sport, be inspired to get active, lead a healthier lifestyle and meet new friends.
All those who complete a sports course, missing no more than one session, and then continue to play sport for at least three months will have the chance to enter a ballot for free London 2012 tickets. Sport England has hundreds of Olympic and Paralympic tickets available for Sportivate participants via the London 2012 Ticketshare initiative.
Sport England’s Chair, Richard Lewis, said:
“We’re delighted that so many young people in the West of England have been inspired to get involved in sport through Sportivate. This is what the Olympic and Paralympic legacy is all about and it’s fantastic to hear about all those finding a new passion for sport.”
As part of the Places People Play official Olympic legacy programme, the National Lottery-funded Sportivate will benefit hundreds of thousands of young people over four years.
To help inspire and motivate the participants, our Sporting Champions - a team of current and retired elite athletes – are visiting Sportivate sessions to share their experiences and enthusiasm for sport.
