words Jane Williams pictures Paul Bailey
The thought of going back to extending' curricular programme, known As the credit crunch drags on, belts are
school may bring you out in as E3+. From Monday evening through tightening across the public sector which
a cold sweat but the Sports to Saturday the school accommodates is having an obvious knock-on effect on
Council for Wales can reveal Cardiff City FC Academy training and building new leisure facilities. Using what
that people, young and old, swimming lessons for children as young as we've got has a certain 'make do and mend'
are swinging back through the three. Basketball and cricket are also on ethos about it. But of course, opening
gates - but are swapping their the menu while Rhondda Paddlers hone schools out of hours is not without a cost
satchels for their kitbags. Jane their canoeing skills in the pool. And it's a factor.
Williams reports... similar story during the holidays.
Bowden adds, "The biggest barriers to the
Ditching textbooks and pencil cases in Of course, it does need careful planning as scheme were identifi ed as cost of transport
favour of sports lycra, hundreds of people Headmaster Steve Bowden explains: and entry fees. Every time the school bid
across Wales are going back to school. for funding, transport was always factored
But they are not headed for the classroom "We started to look at the Community in to the costs - we were then able to lay
- instead they are pitching up at playing School agenda and spent many hours on free buses. The closest leisure centres
fi elds and sports halls to burn up calories thrashing out ideas with governors, are three miles from the school in either
and to get fi t. parents and teachers. We are in direction up or down the valley so it is
contact with the local authority and proving to be a useful facility which is right
And good for them. Obesity is an other partners to make sure that there on our community's doorstep."
international issue, with the World Health are always activities on offer and we
Organisation already making the very make sure we don't cut across other www.sports-council-wales.org.uk
scary prediction that there will be 2.3 programmes within the community."
billion overweight adults on the planet by
2015. A woman's average waist size in 1951 The Sports Council is keen to highlight
nipped in at 70cm (27.5 inches). Today, this those making a contribution
has bloated to 86cm (34 inches). and is able to advise schools
who want to take
The Welsh Assembly Government a leaf out of
has already called for more weekend Porth's
and holiday activity. And there are book.
schools who are doing their bit by
throwing open their doors in the
evenings, at weekends and
during the holidays for the local
community - something which
the Sports Council for Wales is
championing in their Time
for Action campaign.
Take Porth Community
School as an example. It
is a hive of activity as a
result of its 'exciting,
enriching and
School Rules OK!
Brought to you in association with
sports council wales
cyngor chwaraeon cymru
SW
45
sportingwales
issue8twothousand&nine
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