Youngsters urged to put spring in step for summer
DANIELLE ROPER
AP R O G R A MME bringing a taste of the Olympics to Hyndburn is calling on more youngsters to come and take part.
Community interest company Spring Into Action’s ‘Summer of Olympics’ is running a series of athletic sessions.
The fortnightly sessions are designed for young people aged 11 and above to try their hand at a range of Olympic disciplines, including javelin, relay races, high jump, long jump and sprinting.
They are also suitable for those with learning disabilities and are led by UK Athletics Association coach Ben Armstrong, who also coaches with Blackburn Harriers.
Lucy Hamlin, director and project coordinator, said the activities give young people an opportunity to feel the spirit of the Olympics while having fun and keeping healthy.
She said: “A lot of people with learning disabilities in particular have told us that they just don’t participate in sport outside of school or college.
“They don’t always feel confident enough to join a new sports club so these sessions are a great way to increase their confidence and make friends - the health benefits are just an added bonus.
“We are excited to welcome Ben to the club to show us some Olympicsbased activities.”
Spring Into Sport’s inclusive sports club has been running since April and is funded by 51 Community Interest Companies raising money to address health inequali- ties across England, Scotland and Wales through the Health Lottery.
It is based at Hyndburn Leisure Centre and provides a range of sport and physical activity at fortnightly sessions, with previous sessions including dance, badminton, basketball, cricket and boxercise.
The Summer of Olympics activities have been running on Fridays since July 29, with the next session due to take place on August 26 and two more on September 2 and September 16, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
The cost is £3 per person.
Lucy added: “The feedback we have had has been really good.
“People are really enjoying the sessions and have said they are learning things they have never tried before.
“We feel very positive about them. It is all about providing opportunities for people who may not have them otherwise.”
To get more information about the project contact Lucy Hamlin on 01254 457026 or email l ucy@ spring- projects. co.uk.