Sheffield Moves To Become One Of UK’s Most Active Cities!

Sheffield has set itself a target of becoming one of the country’s most active cities.  If you think you could increase your activity levels between now and September this year, The People’s Movement, Sheffield’s physical activity campaign wants to hear from you!

Whether you go from no activity to taking the stairs everyday, or walk a mile a day and plan to jog from now on, you can enter the Active Sheffield Challenge.

The Challenge, now in its second year, is designed to recognise local people who have increased their activity levels over the summer in a bid to lead fitter and healthier lives.  It encourages residents to celebrate their activity achievements and share their stories and experiences to help inspire other people in their family, local community or peer group.

It aims to show that being physically active is not just about joining a gym.  Normal, everyday activities such as walking the dog, digging the garden or taking the stairs instead of the lift, can contribute to people’s health and well-being and play a part in reducing levels of coronary heart disease, obesity and diabetes in the city.

This year the Active Sheffield Challenge is bigger and better than ever, with two new categories to make it even easier for people to enter. There are now six categories:

• Family
• Older People (60+)
• Team or group
• Young People (12 years or under)
• Schools
• Individuals (13-59)

The Challenge is open to all Sheffield residents.  People can enter in a number of ways; either enter online, by posting an application form to Activity Sheffield, 2-10 Carborrk Hall Road, Sheffield, S9 2DB, or by dropping a form into any of the Sheffield International Venues’ sites such as Don Valley Stadium, Ponds Forge, Concord Leisure Centre, or Hillsborough Leisure Centre. 

Cllr Mike Pye, spokesperson for the People’s Movement, Sheffield’s physical activity campaign, said: “Last year we had some truly inspirational stories and achievements from the people of Sheffield.  This year we hope to encourage even more people get active, whether you’re taking the dog for extra-long walks, training for a marathon, or setting yourself a personal activity target – any form of physical activity is good activity.  

“What’s more, by taking up a challenge, no matter how big or small, and sticking to it, you’ll experience a wide-range of health benefits too.”

The challenge starts now and runs until 7th Sept 2007, and anyone taking part will receive a certificate to celebrate their achievement, as well as having their picture posted on the People’s Movement website.  The Active Sheffield Challenge will culminate in the Active Sheffield Awards Ceremony later this year, where one winner from each category will receive a top prize to help them carry on being active.

The closing date for entries is 19th October 2007.