Sports Minister Richard Caborn has donned his favourite pair of running shoes and come out in support of the Active Sheffield Challenge, a new way in which people can be recognised for increasing their activity levels – from training to run a marathon, to regularly walking to work!

The MP for Sheffield Central is backing the initiative, which aims to give recognition to people who are looking to increase their activity levels.

The Active Sheffield Challenge is promoted by The People’s Movement, the physical activity campaign for the city that provides information and opportunities for people to get
more active. The campaign aims to make Sheffield the most active city in the UK, and increase activity levels amongst local people by 1% each year.

Richard Caborn said: “I’m delighted to be able to support the Active Sheffield Challenge. The city is really focused on giving more people the opportunity to get active, more often, and The People’s Movement campaign is helping people to do so. I’d encourage everyone, from groups of friends at school, to families looking to increase their activity levels, to log on to www.thepeoplesmovement.com and submit their entry.“

The Active Sheffield Challenge is open to all Sheffield residents, and there are various categories to enter. Challenge submissions will be accepted from families, groups or teams (4 or more individuals), older people (60+), and children (12 years or under).

Paul Billington, spokesperson for The People’s Movement, said: “The Active Sheffield Challenge is about getting recognised for your activity achievements, and having fun whilst enjoying the many health benefits that come from regular physical activity. Maybe your team is on a hot winning streak, you encourage your children to ‘take’ the walking bus to school, or you’re the reigning chairobics champion? Whatever your reason to be active, we want to hear form you. As long as you stay active from July until September, that’s the only entry criteria.”

Entries can either be made online at www.thepeoplesmovement.co.uk, in writing to Active Sheffield Challenge, diva creative ltd, Workstation, 15 Paternoster Row, S1 2BX, or at the special ballot box in the Town Hall.

The challenge runs from July until Sept 30th 2006, 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.