Burton on Trent and East Staffordshire Borough Council’s leisure and sport facilities have seen an increase in sport participation during the summer which, in part, can be attributed to the Olympics.
Neil Brown, Sports Development Team Leader, said: “Our summer holiday programme is always busy however this year, our programmes are especially popular. All the conversations are centred on the Olympics and it’s clear that the Olympics have given people a boost to get outdoors and play sport.”
At all three leisure centres initial reports on uptake for holiday courses is that performance is outstripping the same period last year which can be attributed to the Olympics. The leisure centres have also seen an 8% increase in attendances to our swimming pools over the first 12 days of the games.
It is hoped that the Olympics will leave a legacy in East Staffordshire and will inspire residents of all ages to be active.
Neil Brown went on to say “We have partnerships with British Cycling, Run England, Burton Albion Community Trust and Schools and Health. These partnerships mean there are a variety of activities available for anyone to take part in sport and physical activity.”
East Staffordshire Borough Council have also been investing heavily in its sporting facilities ever since London was declared the Olympic host city for 2012, with refurbishments of Meadowside Leisure Centre and Shobnall Athletics Track already taking place and the development of the facilities in Uttoxeter in the planning stages.
Councillor Bernard Peters, Deputy Leader for Service Commissioning, concluded: “ESBC prides itself on the sporting opportunities we offer in the borough and Olympics is just the catalyst needed to inspire residents to get involved, get fit and get active.
“The Council has Olympic Legacy plans for the borough and by working with partners and investing in sport and leisure facilities we can offer multiple sporting opportunities to our residents.”
East Staffordshire have been at the forefront of Sports Development for a number of years and anybody wishing to try a new sport or would like information, please feel free to contact the Sports Development Team on 01283 508191 or sports.development@eaststaffsbc.gov.uk
