Olympic fever is packing them in (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Olympic fever is packing them in

9:00am Wednesday 9th May 2012 in Bradford

FEELGOOD: Gym users at the Richard Dunn Sports Centre are being inspired to keep in trim by the approaching Games

The number of residents joining Council gyms in Bradford has increased by more than 50 per cent as Olympic fever grips the city.

Bradford Council says it has seen 3,091 people sign up for gym membership at its facilities across the district between January and April this year compared with 2,015 in the same period last year.

Councillor Mike Gibbons (Con, Ilkley), chairman of the Council’s Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, said he believed this summer’s London Olympic Games had inspired residents to get fit through the Council’s b active for 2012 campaign.

The initiative, launched last year, encouraged adults and children to try new activities at the Council’s sport centres, swimming pools and fitness suite.

Coun Gibbons said: “The Olympic Games has definitely added new impetus as many look to get fit and I’m pleased there has been an increase in the uptake of gym memberships across the authority. These figures show the Council’s health improvement strategy seems to be working.

“The Council has undergone a programme to update its sports facilities, has opened a new small gym in Eccleshill and staff are always available to offer advice and programmes to anyone who wants to get fit or maintain their fitness regime.”

With less than 100 days to go until the start of this summer’s games, sporting events have been held in the city – including one at The Leisure Centre in Keighley last month, where youngsters had the opportunity to try archery, basketball, table tennis, dance, racket ball, badminton and gymnastics.

The fun day was organised through the Bradford Gold scheme – a partnership between the Council, Bradford College, University of Bradford, Bradford Bull, Bradford City and the Community Sport Network – to make sure the city can benefit by the games being hosted in the UK.

Former Councillor, the Rev Paul Flowers, who was portfolio holder with responsibility for sport before he stood down earlier this year, said: “Giving youngsters the opportunity to try different sports and activities provides them with advice and information on healthy living which is key to our work in making Bradford a more active and healthier district.”

For more information about the council’s schemes visit bradford.gov.uk.