ACTIVE Southampton :: Wessex Scene Online

ACTIVE Southampton

9th March 2008
Kieran Kelly

Rate this story

Oct 02 - Sporty? your talent is needed
Sep 02 - Going for Gold
Jan 08 - News in Brief
Nov 07 - SCA in the City
Feb 05 - Spotlight on Union Positions: Vice President Student Activities

More by Kieran Kelly

The University of Southampton has signed up to become a partner in the ‘Active Southampton’ sports programme.

It is hoped that the programme will encourage people of all ages, abilities and levels of experience to participate in a more enjoyable, active lifestyle, without it being a chore or hard work. Sports Rec will be running the campaign to encourage more students and staff to take advantage of their fantastic facilities at the Jubilee Sports Centre, Wide Lane and the Boat Hard near Wessex Lane.

The scheme is part of a city-wide initiative, involving both universities, Southampton F.C. and the Community Volunteers organisation, to encourage young adults to get 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day. According to a recent survey carried out by ‘Sport’s England’s Active people’, just 21% of young adults in Southampton meet this minimum standard, leaving a worrying 79% facing a greater chance of developing diabetes, heart disease or mental illness.

‘Active Southampton’ hopes to help tackle this problem by providing an increase to the number of sport and physical activity opportunities and has been backed by a number of high profile local sportsmen and women, including Olympic diver, Peter Waterfield and round-the-world yachtswomen Dee Cafari. Cafari believes the city is a great place to become involved in sport: "Southampton benefits from some terrific places to get active, whether it be on the water, out on the common or at one of the city’s leisure centres."

The programme is not limited to just those who want to improve their personal fitness but aims to provide opportunities to those who wish to volunteer as part of the Community Volunteers organisation. The volunteering organisation has a wide range of coaching, supervising and assisting roles, including football, swimming, trampolining and boxing. Community Sports Volunteer Development Officer, Lizzie Phillips encouraged students to get involved with the sports volunteering: "Sports volunteering can be a good way to spend your time, network within the community, enhance your C.V. and just make university life more fulfilling."

A spokesperson from the organisation said: "Active Southampton has something of interest for everyone, whether you are new to sport, would like to become more active or are already active."

For more information or to get involved visit: http://www.activesouthampton.co.uk/