Leeds joining in with chance to make a Big Splash
Published on: 20th October 2011
People of all ages in Leeds will be given the chance to take the plunge after the city signed up to be part of the country’s biggest-ever swimming campaign.
Special swimming offers will be available over the coming weeks and months at 15 Leeds City Council-managed pools as part of the national Big Splash programme to inspire people to swim in the run-up to the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Organised by British Swimming and the BBC, the campaign features a range of offers and challenges such as family swimming, learn to swim lessons, improving swimming technique and training to achieve set targets.
Details of the Big Splash offers in Leeds will be announced shortly and also on the website at www.bigsplash.co.uk, and as a taster special family swimming sessions will be available in Leeds next week to coincide with National Parenting Week.
Family swims for two adults and two children aged five to 16 will be available for £5 during half-term from Monday 24 to Sunday 30 October at pools around the city. For more information on these sessions go to www.leeds.gov.uk/swimming.
The national Big Splash website (www.bigsplash.co.uk) also offers a range of informatioon and tips, the chance to set virtual challenges and check progress as well the option to become part of the Big Splash online community.
The campaign is being given high-profile backing by the BBC and is being supported by numerous big-name sports stars and celebrities.
One of those is double Olympic gold medallist Rebecca Adlington, who said:
“Swimming is my life but just getting in the pool a couple of times a week is a really great way of getting active and staying healthy. I’m right behind anything that encourages people to take the plunge and swim more often.”
Leeds City Council deputy executive member for leisure Councillor Jack Dunn added:
“We are delighted to be taking part in the Big Splash campaign in Leeds. As a council we have had to make some difficult decisions on swimming provision in recent times, but our commitment to encouraging people of all ages to lead active and healthy lives never changed. By taking part in this fantastic campaign, we hope as many families and people of all ages take the chance to go swimming for free and really enjoy it.”
For more information on the Big Splash, visit the website at www.bigsplash.co.uk
