Lib Dems call for Year of Exercise and Sport

12.29.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 26th Nov 2007

Brian Watkins

This week the Norwich Liberal Democrats will urge the Council to support its plans for a Year of Exercise and Sport in Norwich.

The proposals if implemented would see major mass participation events, free activities for all sections of society in sports and social clubs, the staging of high profile sporting events, the involvement of local schools and the training of sports coaches and organizers.

The proposal, which will be made in a motion at this week's meeting of the full council, is the idea of Brian Watkins, Liberal Democrat portfolio holder for economic development, property, tourism and sport. He said: "It's a good time to put the motion forward with the recent publicity about childhood obesity. The country is struggling to cope with the growing obesity crisis with the total number of obese children having doubled since 1982. And a recent British Medical Journal Report warned that, if left unchecked, obesity and related illnesses could bankrupt the NHS.

"This initiative could capture the public's imagination and help improve the health and lifestyle of local people.

"But it's not just about health; it's also about raising the profile of sport in the city and area. We have also looked at successful initiatives run by other local authorities that have increased sporting opportunities for young and old people, particularly the Newcastle City Council scheme 'Yes 2006'. That is something we would like to replicate."