Swansea families will be encouraged to spend more time being active together to help tackle childhood obesity as part of MEND Move It Week.
Move It Week from July 4 to 10 coincides with National Childhood Obesity Week which aims to improve the health and wellbeing of children nationwide.
During this week Swansea Council’s MEND team will be delivering a range of events and activities to get families together.
Paul Whapham, Senior Physical Activity Development Officer in Swansea Council, said: “We hope to spread the message that being fit and healthy can be fun, especially when you’re out and about being active as a family.
“The MEND programme has been helping families across the city by encouraging them to be more active and to choose healthier options. This has not only led to weight loss but also to an increase in confidence.
“This week is therefore important to raise awareness of how important it is to get the family together being active – we encourage everyone to get out there to try out at least one activity during this week.”
Cllr Graham Thomas, Cabinet member for Culture, Recreation, and Tourism said: “Obesity is one of the most serious health epidemics facing our society today.
“Currently 33% of Swansea’s children are overweight and obese with physical inactivity being one of the main factors.
“That is why this Council is pleased to be supporting MEND Move It Week in the hope it will inspire families to get active together.”
Events include a family night at Pentrehafod School AdiZone on July 7 from 4pm to 7pm.
It will include a range of free activities including circuits, dance, Nordic walking and sports games as well as a chance to try out the recently installed adiZone multi sports facility designed in the shape of the London 2012 logo.
Families will also be encouraged to get outdoors and take advantage of all the attractions and facilities in Swansea.
Tips include taking a stroll along the prom, visiting a local park or garden, trying out the pedalos at Singleton Boating Lake or having a game of golf at Ashleigh Road.
Active Swansea leisure centres will also be offering a half price family swim throughout the week.
For more information on events and tips on fitness and nutrition visit www.swansea.gov.uk/moveitweek
To register your family on a MEND programme in Swansea visit www.swansea.gov.uk/MEND or contact 01792 635219.
