Councillors from the Council who are taking on a series of Olympic challenges for charity are hoping to inspire residents to get active for a good cause too and keep fit in the process.
The team of around 20 councillors have signed up to the Gold Challenge, an Olympic and Paralympic Legacy programme, to raise money for Dorothy House Hospice Care through activities including cycling, swimming, running and walking.
Two of those getting on their bikes for the challenge are Councillor Roger Symonds and Councillor Nigel Roberts, who are keen to emphasise how cycling can be one of the easy fitness regimes that fits into your everyday routine.
Councillor Roger Symonds (Lib-Dem, Combe Down), Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “People are increasingly looking for fun ways to get a bit fitter. Commuting by bike is cost-effective and green; it saves time and, with more and more bike stands and bike-friendly employers, it’s easier than ever.
“Bath & North East Somerset Council is supporting people to cycle more in the community, and we hope that our team of sporting councillors will inspire others to take up the Gold Challenge, and become keen cyclists, walkers, runners, swimmers or whatever Olympic sport they want to try – all in aid of charity.”
Councillor Nigel Roberts (Lib-Dem, Odd Down), Member Champion for Cycling, added: “Cycling as part of your normal daily activities can yield much the same improvements in physical performance as specific training programmes.
“On your bike you can be twice as fast as a car in traffic. What’s more, occasional and regular cyclists can enjoy a level of fitness equivalent to being between five and ten years younger.”
The Gold Challenge has two main objectives, to inspire people of all ages and physical ability to play sport, and to raise substantial sums of money for charity.
Anyone interested in taking part in their own Gold Challenge, can do so under three simple packages to inspire them:
1. 2012km Challenge – record 2,012km through any combination of running, swimming, walking, sailing, canoeing, rowing, horse-riding or cycling
2. Olympic/Paralympic Sport Challenge – learn five or more sports
3. Family Activity Challenge – learn one sport, take part in two others.
For more information log onto http://www.goldchallenge.org/bathnes.
