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Stars Support Initiative to Get People
Active
Many famous names from Wigan and Leigh are urging the borough’s residents
to ‘get active’ and are united in their support for Wigan Leisure and
Culture Trust’s ‘Free Weekend of Leisure’ taking place on Saturday the
9th and Sunday 10th September.
The weekend includes over 60 free activities across Wigan Borough, and
marks the second anniversary of Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust’s
‘Getting Wigan Active’ campaign. The campaign aims to provide more
people across the borough with the opportunity to become physically,
mentally and creatively active in their communities.
People of all ages from across the borough have been increasingly
‘getting active’ since Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust was formed in
2003:
• library usage has increased by 11%
• swimming amongst children is up by 46%
• over 650 play sessions per year are delivered by the Trust
• attendance at WLCT-organised arts events has more than doubled to
68,000.
The majority of free activities will take place on Saturday 9th
September, they include activities at sports centres, libraries and
parks. Sunday’s activities focus on heritage and culture. A host of
celebrities have given their backing to the event, which is believed to
be the first of it’s type ever held in the North West:
Former Wigan and Great Britain’s rugby league captain, Phil Clarke,
says, “What a great idea to help people take the first step. I’d
encourage everybody, young and old, to get out there and do something
that they haven’t done for a while or ever before. Explore what this
great borough has to offer.”
Andy Burnham, MP for Leigh and Health Minister, says, "This Free Weekend
of Leisure is an excellent idea and is an innovative way of making
people aware of all the opportunities there are locally to get mentally
and physically active.”
“From a health point of view this is a fantastic initiative and I'm glad
to see Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust leading the way in providing
these types of opportunities. I would hope people in Leigh and across
the borough enjoy the weekend by joining in the activities whether they
be at a sports centre, library or park,” continues Andy.
Paul Rowley, captain of Leigh Centurions, says, "I feel this is a
wonderful idea and can only benefit the people of the borough. I would
urge everyone to make use of the free facilities whether it be in sports
centres, parks or libraries. It's a great opportunity to discover what
the borough has on offer."
Sean O’Loughlin, captain of Wigan Warriors, says, “"This is a great
initiative and gives an opportunity for everyone to get involved in
various activities across the borough. Whatever your age or ability
there is something for everyone.”
Wigan Athletic’s star goalkeeper, Mike Pollitt, says, "I am delighted to
see that people in Wigan Borough are being given a chance to get active
and enjoy new experiences for free. It looks like there is something for
everyone on offer, from enjoying a swim on Saturday to visiting Wigan
Pier on Sunday and is especially ideal for families. Wigan really is in
the Premier League when it comes to getting active."
Saturday’s free activities include: swimming, gym use, Haigh Golf
Complex’s Himalayan putting green, multi-skills sports camps, aerobics
classes, tai chi, dance workshops, badminton, children’s storytelling,
libraries in the park, health walks, nature walks, bat walks, archery,
family history workshops and the Audio Art Lab exhibition at the
Turnpike Gallery.
Sunday’s activities include: visits to the Way Were Were heritage
centre; tours of Astley Colliery; tours of Haigh Hall and children’s
activities at Haigh Country Park.
All activities have been carefully timetabled to provide a wide range of
opportunities for all. The full timetable of the activities for the
‘Free Weekend of Leisure’ is available at all sports centres and
libraries. Residents can also call 01942 828508 or see
www.wlct.org for
more information. Any activity that is not timetabled is not included in
this free offer.
-ends-
NOTES TO EDITORS: For further information on this News Release please
contact Chris Dunbar, Public Relations Officer, Wigan Leisure and
Culture Trust on 01942 486937 or at
c.dunbar@wlct.org.
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust: Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust is a
charitable trust working on behalf of Wigan Council to manage and
support leisure and cultural facilities, initiatives and events for over
300,000 residents in the Wigan Borough. See
www.wlct.org.
Getting Wigan Active: Getting Wigan Active is Wigan Leisure and Culture
Trust’s vision to ensure that people across the Wigan Borough have the
opportunity to become more physically, mentally and creatively active.
It also aims to increase community activity and to encourage good
citizenship.
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