Inventing our future Collective action for a sustainable economy

6.18 In addition, there are real opportunities linked to the 2012 Olympics/Paralympics. In the course
of London’s winning pitch to the International Olympic Committee in Singapore in July 2005,
the following comments were made: ‘We can no longer take it for granted that young people will
choose sport. Some may lack the facilities, or the coaches and role models to teach them. Others…
may simply lack the desire. We are determined that a London Games will address that challenge’. For
the East of England, the 2012 Olympics/Paralympics offer the prospect of greater interest in sport and
physical activity – and this in itself should encourage people to ‘Choose Health’ positively. There is also
the opportunity to capture elements of the Olympic legacy such that future generations benefit from
better facilities and amenities. Third, there is the prospect of increased volunteering linked to sport
which itself should contribute to building social capital and strengthening communities. Hence the
2012 Olympics/Paralympics ought to constitute a substantial and unique opportunity for the East
of England in striving towards the Vision set out in Healthy Futures.
6.19 A series of regional-level Actions which have been identified in order to advance Strategic Priority 3
are set out in the Table overleaf.
Fifty and Beyond – Encouraging physical activity amongst
older people
Organised and co-ordinated by the sports development team at Sportspace (Dacorum Sports Trust,
which manages sports and leisure services for Dacorum Borough Council), the scheme provides over
50 sessions per week in community centres and village halls for easy access and to provide activities
on a local level throughout the borough of Dacorum (Hertfordshire). The range of activities offered
includes exercise to music; singing; yoga; swing, line, and ballroom dancing; short mat bowls
and chair based exercise. There is also a comprehensive programme of rambles and health walks.
Current participation levels average 680 per week, with a 25,000 annual attendance in 2004/5.
In addition to the community programme, there are also targeted activities within the borough’s
four sports centres. The programme operates with qualified instructors but is also reliant on
approximately 70 volunteers.
Emerging from the co-ordinated programme has been the formation of a number of local self
sufficient groups including ‘Going Places’ – which organises themed holidays including bowls
holidays; ‘Oasis’ – Outings Shared Interests – which organises monthly guest speakers and
outings; and an indoor bowls league.
The success of the programme has been reflected in the response of the local hospital’s senior
geriatrician who, in thanking the team for their work, commented that they are able to do more
for older people than he can, recognising the programme’s ability to keep people out of hospital,
fit and healthy.
Case study taken from the Regional Physical Activity Framework.
A Regional Health Strategy for the East of England 79