IN the past year council chiefs have organised 23 activity road shows involving 500 children, awarded 10 sports club grants and an all-inclusive sports festival was organised. The figures from East Cambridgeshire District Council s Sports and Leisure team

IN the past year council chiefs have organised 23 activity road shows involving 500 children, awarded 10 sports club grants and an all-inclusive sports festival was organised.

The figures from East Cambridgeshire District Council's Sports and Leisure team were given to councillors on Thursday evening.

Members of the council's community services committee heard how sport is not just about getting fit and healthy, but also tackles anti-social behaviour, regeneration and creates safer communities.

Phillip Turner, sports and leisure team leader at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: "Sport can motivate and inspire people, while at the same time being beneficial for their physical and mental well-being.

"At a local level, it's about getting people involved, increasing levels of participation and providing opportunities for everyone to take part in sport and physical activity no matter their skill level.

"In the last year we have helped thousands in the district to take part in physical activity but more importantly we have seen how it has successfully brought communities together. We plan to do more over the next year to ensure everyone in the district gets the opportunity to participate and reap the benefits of getting into sport."

The council is also part of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough County Sports Partnership (Living Sport), and is currently developing the East Cambridgeshire Community Sports Network to ensure all aspects of community sport are encouraged and supported.