Olympics are making us sportier!

PEOPLE in North Herts are getting more exercise as a result of the London 2012 Olympics approaching this summer, it has been revealed.

Sport England has just completed its fifth annual Active People survey gathering data on the number of adults in England who do at least 30 minutes of sport or physical activity a week.

It showed that participation in North Herts is rising in many healthy pursuits, including swimming, running, playing games and regular cycling.

People who usually avoid sport have also been targeted by several programmes put on by the sports development team at North Herts Council.

The schemes include: multi sports programmes in rural areas for people aged 50 years plus and a seated keep fit class delivered to Afro-Caribbean pensioners’ group in Hitchin and back to netball, squash and racketball clubs targeting adults of all ages.

Other programmes included: ‘Livewire’ projects that aimed to increase the numbers of people aged 5-16 years taking part in sport and exercise out of school, and the Herts Youth Games which every year involves around 2,000 young people in trials and festivals resulting in a team of approximately 200 young people representing the district.

Cllr Tricia Cowley, North Herts Council’s portfolio holder for community engagement, said: "People can improve their lives substantially by keeping fit.

"In North Herts we support people with a wide range of facilities such as swimming pools and pitches.

"We also have a dedicated sports development team which offers encouragement and advice.

"It is very gratifying to see that an independent survey recognises the value of the work we do."

For details of facilities and other support available locally, especially to young people, visit the council’s website www.north-herts.gov.uk or contact the sports development team on (01462) 474257.