£245,000 grant for Telford 'Be Active' project
People in Telford are being encouraged to get more active following a generous grant of more than £245,000 from Sport England to fund a three-year project.
The Be Active project is aimed at increasing participation of people aged 14 and over through a range of informal and taster opportunities.
These include mass participation events and challenges with a focus on participating together and enjoyment.
The council has received £245,170 from Sport England to support the delivery of the Be Active project through a network of individuals and group.
A Community Sports Activator has been appointed to co-ordinate, deliver and establish activity.
Councillor Liz Clare, Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet member for Leisure Services and Culture, said: "We are delighted that Sport England has made a commitment to help us encourage residents in our priority wards to be more active and improve their health.
"The funding will enable us to tailor a targeted programme of sporting activity for local people which will help develop a sense of place and community as well as increasing participation and well-being.
"The Community Sports Day was a fine example of what is possible in terms of people taking part and accessing new opportunities and activities and we will be looking to build on that in Brookside and other areas going forward."
A particular focus of the project is removing barriers to exercise.
The project will initially focus on Brookside before extending to other priority wards in the second and third years of the programme.
The Be Active Community Sports Day in Brookside at Stirchley Recreation Centre was attended by Sport England who presented the cheque for the money. It was also supported by the Brookside Improvement Group.
More than 120 people attended and took part in a variety of taster activities including zumba, trampolining, golf, football, martial arts, fit steps and badminton.
There were a number of prizes on offer including cinema tickets, sessions at the high ropes course and an Xbox One.
Activities are still available for Brookside residents. Anyone wishing to participate or volunteer to support local activity contact the Community Sports Activator Gary Insell on 07800 671995.
