27 October 2009

University helps local kids keep fit and healthy

Children from Broomhill Infant School visited the University of Sheffield´s Goodwin Sports Centre to learn about the importance of keeping fit and healthy.

70 pupils attended a variety of exercise classes at the University, as part of a Healthy Week in the school. During this week pupils learn about being healthy by keeping fit and eating the right foods. The initiative also involved fitness experts from U Sport, which manages the University´s sporting activities, attending a special assembly at the school, to talk about the importance of diet and exercise.

The University entered a partnership with the School three years ago to promote a healthy lifestyle to children and suggest fun and interesting ways for them to keep fit. The aim of the partnership is to tailor activities and teaching to the specific needs of the school to get children in the local community more involved in health and fitness and make the facilities and expertise at U Sport more widely available.

Nick Wilson, Health and Fitness Development Manager at U Sport, who organised the activities for the children, said: "At U Sport our facilities are open to everyone – not just students - and I think it is extremely important that the local community are given the opportunity to make use of them. We are really keen to help support children and young people to develop healthy behaviours. Keeping fit has a number of benefits and can help raise pupil achievement, reduce fitness inequalities and promote social inclusion. The children really enjoyed the day, and we hope to see them back soon!"

Moira Alfaham, Headteacher at Broomhill Infant School, said: "We value our close links with U Sport and find Nick´s interest and support encourages the children to think more about their lifestyles and to make healthy choices appropriate for their age. It´s great for them to see someone from the wider community take an interest in them in such a positive way."

Some of the children commented: "It was fun", "I enjoyed all the exercise", "We did a lot of exercise and I was puffed out!"

Notes for Editors: Anyone interested in using the facilities at Goodwin Sports Centre can visit www.usport.co.uk or call 0114 222 6999 for more details on the facilities available.

For further information please contact: Lauren Anderson, Media Relations Officer, on 0114 2221046 or email l.h.anderson@sheffield.ac.uk

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