Sport participation on the increase in East Cambs after London 2012

PARTICIPATION in sport in East Cambridgeshire has increased thanks to the impact of London 2012.

Figures released by Sport England show 31.3 per cent of people in the district are getting involved with sport at least once a week for 30 minutes – 2.2 per cent more than last year.

The increase also marks the end of a four-year decline in participation in the district.

Nationally, research suggests that the number of people taking part in sport has risen sharply since the London 2012 Games got underway, with strong increases in Olympic sports such as cycling and sailing.

Councillor Richard Hobbs, chairman of East Cambs District Council’s community and environment committee, said: “These figures are very encouraging and it is good to see an increase in the number of people participating in sport in East Cambridgeshire.

“London 2012 was a once in a lifetime experience which throughout the summer brought a great sense of well being to our country. The challenge ahead of us is to truly deliver on the legacy of the Games for the benefit of us all.”

Earlier this year, the council launched ‘The Sport, Health and Physical Activity Delivery Plan 2012-13’, which aimed to arrest the decline in numbers taking exercise. About 17 per cent of Year 6 children in East Cambs are classified as obese and 19 per cent of adults smoke.

A four-year Sport and Physical Activity Strategy launches in April next year.

Cllr Hobbs said: “We know there is much more work to be done to get more of our residents - young and old, male and female – into activities which will improve their health and fitness.