10/3/2005 - Cumbrian youngsters asked to get 'on the move'

Cumbria County Council’s outdoor education service, 'Cumbria Outdoors' has successfully attracted £400k of Big Lottery money for a major new youth project involving over 1000 young people in Cumbria.

On Saturday and Sunday, youngsters from Netherhall, Whitehaven, Keswick and Morton Schools are all taking part in the new project 'on the move'. It aims to get more young people aged 12 - 16 to take part in more sport and outdoor activities, particularly those who have previously found this difficult. This latest award takes the total lottery funding raised by Cumbria Outdoors to £1.05 million since the year 2000.

County Councillor Joan Stocker, cabinet member for education said:

"The county council understands the importance of providing outdoor educational opportunities to the young people of this county. This is a great project to not only get young people to develop their physical skills but help them also improve their social skills. Youngsters benefit significantly from projects like these and this is just another example of the excellent service Cumbria Outdoors provides which is such an important part of the county's educational landscape."

Barbara Hunter, Head of Cumbria Outdoors, said:

"I am looking forward to the launch of the new project this weekend. 'On the move' will remove many of the barriers that have previously prevented young people from being more active. I would like to thank all the partners involved for their support to introduce the project in Cumbria."

Each young person involved will receive a free key ring which provides them with all the information they need to get started on a more active and sporting lifestyle. They will receive free public transport for 6 months from March to August and the regular support of a local adult ‘mentor’ to help maintain their motivation.

Young people taking part will agree to a minimum commitment to take part in activities at leisure centres, swimming pools & after school sports clubs. If they keep this up for the next six months, they can then claim their free five-day multi- activity residential at one of the county’s outdoor education centres, as a reward. These activity residentials will take place during their school holidays in August or October.

Anyone wanting to know more about the 'On the move' project can contact Barbara Hunter or Deborah Hunter at Cumbria Outdoors on 017687 72816.