Sports stars and young people joined representatives from local and national organisations at Wheldon School Sports College to launch ‘Changing Lifestyles’ – a 10-year vision to improve health and increase participation in sport and physical activity across Gedling in Nottinghamshire.

IBO World welterweight boxing champion Jawaid Khaliq with young people from Gedling

This vision has been applauded by Sport England, the strategic lead for sport in England, as an excellent example of the way in which organisations can work together at a local community level to increase involvement in sport and physical activity.

The event was organised by Gedling Sports Forum, a group made up of voluntary sporting organisations from across the borough. Other key local organisations to sign up to the vision were Gedling Borough Council, Gedling Primary Care Trust, Gedling CVS, Wheldon School Sports College, and Gedling Schools Sports Partnership.

Gedling partners sign up to 'Changing Lifestyles'

Gedling Borough Councillor and Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Wendy Golland, said: “Encouraging people to be more active is a huge challenge for the partnership and for the community.  It’s a prize well worth pursuing, though, as it will improve the health and wellbeing of our community in many ways”.

Chief Executive of Gedling Primary Care Trust, Lynne Winstanley said: “This plan is the first step towards achieving our vision for a healthy future.  Everyone can get involved by increasing the amount of times they exercise, joining a local sports club, or by opting to walk instead of using transport – the opportunities are endless!”

Anne Rippon from Sport England, commented:’We believe that delivering this vision can put Gedling at the forefront of community sports development - it’s great evidence of organisations working together to achieve a common goal and will provide excellent opportunities for people living in Gedling”.

The priorities for the partnership are:

• increasing young people’s participation
• increasing community participation
• developing an effective sports club structure
• developing facilities to support the needs of the strategy

The full Changing Lifestyles strategy is available on the Gedling Borough Council web site.