Basildon's community sport and activity network, called 'activebasildon', successfully won the grant funding from Sport England. The money will contribute towards increasing participation rates in sport and physical activity within the district.
Currently, 17.6 per cent of residents over 16 years old regularly take part in sport and physical activity which is below the 21 per cent national average.
The grant funding will enable activebasildon to address this through working in partnership with sports clubs and organisations including health, crime, voluntary and education groups and target those that currently have low sports take-up rates.
Sports development officer, Tracey Davies said :
"Securing the funding we have achieved is a great opportunity for us all to help people of all ages in our district access new sport and physical activity opportunities.
“Sport has the power to really make a difference to someone's life, not just for health and fitness reasons, but for life fulfillment, for personal development and so much more.
“I really believe that the energy put into the bid will now continue to grow and develop, and together we will all be achieving some really great things for Basildon district."
Over the next year projects will include 'Active +', 'Get Back Into . . .', 'Come and Try . .', After School Multi Skill Clubs and Disability Multi Sport Sessions.
Simon Badman of Sport England said :
“Sport England is thrilled that providers of sport and physical activity in the district have risen to the challenge of increasing participation and are working together to develop wide and varied sporting activities in Basildon."
Basildon’s detailed bid, submitted to Sport England, not only dealt with plans to strengthen partnership links, develop better quality clubs and provide out of school hours activities for young people, but also to take on specific sports activities for all ages and groups.
These include 5-a-side football for 18 to 25 year olds, a street basketball league, a mini athletics olympics, various taster sessions for the over 55s and increasing opportunities for women, girls and the disabled.
“This is a truly comprehensive sports programme for the district and a wonderful opportunity to add to the excitement being generated by the Sporting Village and the approaching London Olympics,” added Tracey Davies.
NB first project to kick off is the active + day at Laindon Day Centre on Thursday 15th May aimed at over 50's, a day of free activities including Tai Chi, yoga, salsa dancing, keep fit, walking, and more.
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