London Sport is looking to get Brent active in a push against physical inactivity in their new campaign launched last week.
Children and young people in Stonebridge, St Raphael’s, and Church End in Brent were identified as priorities as the area lies in the top 10% of inactivity.
This is part of their wider ‘Let’s Move London’ strategy that focuses on active environment, health, and community sport, announced at their ten-year anniversary event.
Emily Robinson, Chief Executive Officer for London Sport, said: “London is facing a physical inactivity crisis.
“Those in the poorest communities face the greatest challenges of inequality and barriers to leading an active life.”
Fraser Allan, London Sport Development Manager, added: “We prioritised Brent as an area of great need and opportunity.
“We don’t want to just deliver projects, but create systemic change that positively impacts inequalities.”
Brent’s Bridge Park Leisure Centre is closed for redevelopment, so the projects and organisations addressing inactivity already are crucial.
Project Manager Bianca Meumann mentioned the use of the Opening School Facilities Fund, which helps schools open existing sports facilities for local young people and the wider community.
Newfield Primary School, Harris Lowe Academy, and Newman Catholic College in Brent have received funding to provide after-school cricket with the Middlesex Titans, free multi-sport clubs, and a basketball program in partnership with Queens Park Rangers.
The ‘Path to Paris’ initiative is designed to increase physical activity for kids between five and 11 and their families from the least advantaged communities.
Inspired by the Olympic and Paralympic year, charity Sport in the Heart gets more than 400 young people engaged in physical activity from lower socio-economic groups.
London Sport works with other Brent organisations like Young Brent Foundation, Jason Roberts Foundation, Hilltop Football Club, Wembley Stadium Foundation, Active Sporting Communities, Brent School Sports Partnership, and the Youth Sports Trust.
However, Brent is not the only part of London that needs support.
One in six premature deaths in the UK are caused by inactivity, and half of young Londoners are not meeting recommended activity levels according to London Sport.
Robinson stressed how every pound invested in physical activity generates almost four pounds in return, claiming the campaign can help build the economy and relieve stress on the health services in areas of need.
Meumann added: “Learning skills for life like swimming and cycling along with unique activities can foster positive engagement with sport to promote habits for life.”
‘Let’s Move London’ is a three-year plan but features a mixture of short and long-term projects.
Tim Copley, Director of Physical Activity and Sport Development, said: “We’re aiming to get to the root cause of physical inactivity.
“Our goal is to ‘design in’ physical activity into the built environment by working with planners to make living active lives easy.”
Go! London and PlayZones are also programs already in place that will expand in the coming years.
London Sport are also looking to take advantage of major sporting events to build an active legacy.
Copley stated they’ll collaborate with Table Tennis England and England Rugby to establish a community impact plan after the World Championships and World Cup, respectively.
Londoners can get involved with Let’s Move London easily.
Copley added: “Get active!”
Featured image courtesy of London Sport
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