The British Student Weight Lifting Championships are Back! Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

The British Student Championships are Back!

On the 24^th and 25^th March, Leeds Metropolitan University will be hosting the BWL Student Championships 2012. The Championships will be hosted over two days, with Olympic weightlifting on the first day and unequipped bench press on the second day.

Schedule : TBC Weigh-in will begin at 8am on each day

Closing Date : 24th February 2012

Olympic Weightlifting – Saturday 24th March

Unequipped Bench Press – Sunday 25th March

Accommodation: Carnegie Village, Leeds Metropolitan University, Headingley Campus, Leeds, LS6 – Booking

Address : The Cri Hall, Carnegie Sports Centre, Leeds Metropolitan University, Headingley Campus, Leeds, LS6 3QS – Map

Your student card must be collected at the weigh-in for the duration of the competition, 6^th form students are eligible. Guest competitors will be excepted on consideration.

For more information and to enter, please click here!

Taking Sport into the Workplace Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

The Sport Makers workshops were well received by the Cargill employees, and the activity challenge was launched with table tennis and running.

 Andrea Holt from the English Table Tennis Association (ETTA) inspired everyone stories from the Olympics in Barcelona and Atlanta. There was no surprise at the energy levels around the table tennis tables that were set up on meeting tables using the ETTA’s Instant Ping Pong set. There has been a follow up table tennis session held since, and it would appear that inter-departmental challenge and competition will be taking place over the coming weeks.

Louise Robbins from GreaterSport was able to support Cargill employees with their running ambitions, discussing their current running levels and their goals. These ranged from people who simply wanted to get started, to Andy who will be running the Greater Manchester Marathon in Trafford in April! Louise has since held a running clinic and also started the weekly running club.

GreaterSport would like to thank Sally and the team at Cargill, as well as the Sport Makers team of Rory, Tom, Louise, Andrea, and Jonny. 

For more information on Sport Makers and how you could get involved, including organising a workplace event, please visit www.sportmakers.co.uk and contact Rory Marsden at GreaterSport on rorym@greatersport.co.uk or 0161 223 1002.

North West’s Biggest Photography Competition Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

The North West Year of Health and Wellbeing Partnership is calling on people across the region to get involved in its Life Through The Lens photo challenge.

The competition aims to highlight a set of five simple actions which can improve wellbeing in everyday life: connect, be active, take notice, keep learning and give. Scientific evidence shows that incorporating these five ways into your everyday life can help to protect you against mental health issues, which one in four of us will suffer at some point in our lives.

A panel of top UK photographers will judge the entries and there are fantastic prizes up-for-grabs, including a family holiday for four and a Samsung Galaxy phone worth £500.

Mike Farrar, national NHS champion for sport and physical activity and CEO of NHS Confederation, who initiated the campaign, said: “In the current economic climate the simple things like keeping in touch with friends and family and staying active become really important to how we feel about ourselves. We’re launching this competition just ahead of the once in a lifetime London Olympics 2012 and Paralympic Games, because this will be an inspirational time for people to revitalise their approach to feeling good and living well.”

Sue Henry, director of the Year of Health and Wellbeing and organiser of “Life through the Lens” said: “Photography is a fantastic hobby that is fun and easy. We hope this competition will encourage people to get out and about and give the five ways to wellbeing a go. It’s vital we get the message out about building the five ways into your lifestyle, because not only do you feel immediate positive benefits, you can add 7.5 years to your life expectancy.”

To enter the competition, or find out more, go to www.yearofhealthandwellbeing.org.uk

There are the following categories: Schools (both primary and secondary categories), young people (under 18s), adults, camera clubs and People’s Choice (a category determined by most online votes).

The North West Year of Health and Wellbeing partnership, which consists of NHS, Local Government, corporate and charitable partners, was launched in 2011. It has been developed at a time when pressures on health, the environment and the economy are at an all-time high and a radical approach is needed to harness people’s interest to improve their own lives in simple, yet effective ways.

Announcing the first NHS Fun Triathlon Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

In support of David Nicholson’s NHS Sport and Physical Activity Challenge, NHS Bolton are hosting an ambitious event to help inspire and support NHS staff from across the country to become actively involved in physical activity, through organising the first NHS FUN TRIATHLON.

The ethos of the triathlon is based on participation and inclusion and will predominantly focus on encouraging and supporting relay teams of three people to take part.

The event will also be open to a limited number of individual entries and for the more competitive athlete the race will play host to the first ever NHS National Championships.

The event consists of a 400m pool swim, 21k scenic cycle ride and 5k run all based around the town of Horwich in Greater Manchester. The date for the event is Sunday 15th July – just before the start of the Olympics.

Full details including how to enter, resources which will help you to support and encourage colleagues to take part, training tips and much, much more can be found at www.nhstriathlon.com

If you require more info please email info@nhstriathlon.com

Effective Communication Skills for Sports Coaches Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

In order to be a successful sports coach, you must have excellent communication skills – otherwise the whole process becomes extremely difficult for coach and athlete.

Coaching is not just about being able to talk to a group; you must be able to engage with players using different coaching styles. This means using verbal, visual and written communication effectively.

If you are serious about bringing the best out of your athletes / players when it really matters this course is a must for you!

There is an Effective Communication Skills for Sports Coaches course on Thursday 15 March 2012 (6.30pm – 9.30pm) at Brooklands Sports Club, Sale costing only £25.

For more information on the course and to book on click here.

Girls Football Festival Tuesday, February 21st, 2012

Manchester has been chosen to host the North West FA regional Girls Football Festival on 25th February.

The event, which will take place in Salford at Manchester United’s Academy Training complex at Ayrshire Road, is completely FREE to players, coaches, volunteers and any friends and family who are interested in football development at grassroots level.

Manchester FA’s Senior Football Development Officer, Shirley Veevers said “it doesn’t matter if you are only new to the game or have been involved for a long time, this event is open to all and there will be lots of activities throughout the day” she added, “the FA are fully behind the event and with Manchester United FC hosting the event, it is sure to be a fantastic day to all of those who attend”

Those who decide to come along to the event can expect an action packed day out which includes;
■Meet England & Women’s Super Leagues Players
■Kickabout on the inflatable pitch
■Goalkeeping activities
■Goody Bags
■Interactive Zones
■Watch Girl’s FA Centre of Excellence U11’s Fixtures
■Tips from FA Coaches
■U9’s Girls mini tournament

Also following the festival the Manchester FA have now confirmed the FA National Cup U17s Girls Centre of Excellence quarter finals, in which Manchester United Foundation will play Aston Villa FC for a place in the Semi finals will take place. The game will kick off at 1pm, played at the same venue as the festival.

If you would like to attend the event, there is no requirement to book your place, simply turn up on the day!

If you have any questions or would like more information contact the Football Development Team at Manchester FA on 0161 203 2990 and select option 2.

Bolton Council launches Year of Sport Monday, February 20th, 2012

Bolton is all set for an exciting year-long programme of sporting events and activities to coincide with a massive year of UK sport.

The council has designated 2012 as a ‘Year of Sport’ to recognise the unprecedented year ahead for the UK and to ensure residents and visitors of all ages get the chance to join the celebrations and take part in sports, events and activities throughout the year at a local level.

Bolton’s special year has its official launch on Thursday January 26 at the Reebok Stadium, home of premiership football team Bolton Wanderers, and in the shadow of the nearby ‘Spirit of Sport’ sculpture which stands taller than the Angel of the North.

For more visit Bolton’s website

Any ladies for Squash & Racketball? Monday, February 20th, 2012

There is a new FREE Squash and Racketball taking place on Thursday mornings 9.30 – 10.30am at the National Squash centre (Eastlands, Sportcity Way, M11 3FF) for ladies. The first session will take place Thursday 23rd February. If you require any further information please contact Paul Hulme on 0161 220 3820.

Will you take up the Scuba Challenge?? Monday, February 20th, 2012

This year’s Scuba Challenge will be held on Saturday 25th February from 5.30pm to 8pm at Woolston Leisure Centre in Warrington.

The Scuba Challenge was launched in 2011 to raise funds towards the annual North West Disability Awareness Day (DAD) held in Warrington attracting around 28,000 visitors from across the UK and Europe. WDP’s Chairman and DAD Event founder, Dave Thompson MBE DL MBA, launched the fundraising campaign by “Going the Extra Mile” with an ambitious Scuba Diving Challenge of one mile (64 lengths of a standard swimming pool). Dave has been a full time wheelchair user since 1989, as a result of a spinal cord injury sustained whilst playing American Football. He now has limited use in his left arm and none in his right arm or legs. Despite this he has qualified to PADI Advanced Open Water level and has over fifty dives in his log.

Dave will be joined by his regular dive buddy and DAD Stewards Controller, Graham Horton recently undergone hip replacement surgery and Dave Molyneux, DAD videographer who has also experienced long term health problems including mental illness and a quadrupal heart bypass. All three guys underline the ethos that Scuba is a Sport for All.

Experienced and novice divers are invited to join in the challenge. All equipment hire is provided free by our sponsor – Terry Wood from Cybaqua, Warrington’s premier diving store. ( www.cybaqaua.co.uk ) Please note experienced divers will need to show evidence of their qualification and novice divers will need to complete a medical form prior to the event. Everyone is being asked to raise a minimum sponsorship of £30. Dave Thompson has set himself a challenge to raise £5000 his year.

You must register for the Scuba Challenge or Try Dive so please contact the Fundraising Team on 01925 240064 if you are interested? If you don’t want to take up the challenge but want to sponsor the Team then please click here.

The North West Region A.B.A. Presents National Schools Championship Semi Finals Wednesday, February 15th, 2012

The North West Region A.B.A.

Presents

Under Amateur Boxing Association Rules

National Schools Championship Semi Finals

Saturday 18th February  and  Sunday 19th February 2012

Grange  School Sports Hall, Matthews Lane, Gorton, Manchester, M18 7SP

Boxing commences at 12:30pm Both Days

Tickets £12 Adults / Children U-10 £6

Limited seats available

Payment on the door – arrive early to avoid disappointment

For information Contact:              Kevin Williams – 07912 287289