What's Next?

To find out more about what sport and physical activity opportunities are available for adults across Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland watch this short video.

The Active Together Workplace Challenge might be drawing to a close at the end of March, but that doesn't mean your exercise regime has to. The Active Together online diary will live on so that you can continue to log your exercise points and track your progress against friends, family members, colleagues and other people from across Leicestershire.

In addition there are lots of other activities and programmes taking place locally that will help to keep you on track. A unique programme of regular activities has been designed by the Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sport Active Together Teams. For more information please contact visit www.lrsport.org.uk/active or the 'Get Active' page.

Inspire Leicestershire

London 2012

You don't have to live in London or be an elite level athlete to be a part of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. There are lots of different ways in which you can get involved, right here in your local area.

In the run up to the Games, Inspire LeicesterShire will be rolling out a number of projects that will inspire people to get involved, make a pledge for 2012 and help to create a lasting legacy.

What's in it for your business?

The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will provide many direct and indirect business opportunities in the period leading up to, during and beyond the Games. Around 22% of all contracts awarded for the London 2012 Games have been won by businesses with less than TEN employees.

No business is too small to compete

For more information visit www.inspireleics.org.uk

Sport Makers

The Sport Makers programme will recruit, train and deploy 40,000 new sports volunteers aged 16 years and over to organise and lead community sporting activities across the country.

In Leicestershire, Leicester & Rutland we are looking to recruit over 760 new volunteers to sport, to become 'Sport Makers'. This is your chance to be part of the Olympic Legacy in the lead up to the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics and beyond!

In order to access the programme you should be:

• Aged 16 or over
• New to volunteering

Sport Makers: What will I do?

Each Sport Maker will attend a FREE 3 hour induction workshop where you will also get to meet other Sport Makers and receive a Sport Makers adidas polo shirt and goodies. Workshops will be launching in November 2011.

You will be supported to find or create your own volunteering placement so that you can volunteer in the community for at least 10 hours and keep track of your volunteering hours on a dedicated website.

Volunteering in sport isn't just about being a coach or an official - it can involve volunteering at events, organising a lunchtime running group, 5-a-side football league or even rounders in the park! Or perhaps use your IT, marketing, administration, fundraising and management skills to support clubs.

For more information visit www.lrsport.org/sportmakers or contact Lizzi Major, Sports Development Officer, on e.major@lboro.ac.uk or 01509 564871.

Leicester Shire Cycle Challenge

Leicester Shire Cycle Challenge, cycle for 10 minutes and win!

The Leicester Shire Cycle Challenge 2012 competition will run in June 2012...

The Leicester Shire Cycle Challenge is a fun, free competition to encourage your workforce to remember the joys and benefits of riding a bike.

It's all about participation – which business can get the most people cycling? Businesses across Leicestershire will compete across six size categories to see who can get the most staff to ride a bike for at least 10 minutes between set dates.

There are lots of fantastic prizes on offer to tempt you into the saddle, from cinema tickets, to beauty boxes and meals out on us.

You don't need to be an Olympic medallist, it's for all employees - even those of you who haven't been on a bike for years. No lycra required!

It's too good to miss out, so register now at www.LeicestershireCycleChallenge.org.uk

Make Sport Happen at Your Workplace!

If you're keen to get your workplace moving why not get involved in one of these great courses...

Run leaders and new running groups wanted!

If you would like to receive free training to become a run leader or if you would like help to set up a running group at your workplace contact Andrew Watson on a.watson4@lboro.ac.uk / 01509 564872. The next run leaders course is on Saturday 27th October in Leicester.

Rounders Activators Workshop...

Why not train to become a rounders Activator. The Rounders Activator course is taking place at Lancaster School on Thursday 28th June from 6-9pm. Learn the basics of rounders and get an equipment bag for some guaranteed sporting fun with your work mates! To find out more contact Andrew Watson on a.watson4@lboro.ac.uk / 01509 564872.

Adult Cycling Courses for Adults - At Venues Across the County

Free Cycling courses for adults

• Cycling is a fun way to get fit, save money on fuel and is a more environmentally friendly way to make everyday journeys.
• If you haven't cycled before or don't feel confident then why not try a free cycling course for over 16s.
• Don't worry if you've not got a bike – we can loan you one during the course (subject to availability). A refundable deposit of £20 is required for this, payable at the first session.
• Helmets are also available for loan (£10 refundable deposit).

The Course

• Training is delivered over five two-hour sessions. Courses are based at various venues around the county, such as parks, where you can start cycling on easy paths before progressing onto the road when you are ready.
• You can choose between weekday, evening or weekend sessions. The times of sessions vary at each location.
• A basic introduction to checking your bike is included in each course.
• If you need to miss a session, the course is designed to be flexible, but please inform the course leader during the course or make contact to discuss this using the contact details below.
• The aim of the course is to gradually develop your skills and confidence to cycle for leisure or to work.
• Training is delivered by experienced instructors qualified to national standard.

Where and when?

• Courses are taking place at venues across the County. Further details are in the attached leaflet (pdf document 932kb).
• To book please download, print off, complete and SIGN the attached booking form (pdf document 128kb) and send this to: ETD Central Admin, Leicestershire County Council, County Hall; Room 700, Glenfield, Leicestershire, LE3 8RJ

Cost

• The course is FREE!
• Any questions, to book on the course, or if you are having difficulty downloading the leaflet or booking form – email choosehowyoumove@leics.gov.uk or call 0116 305 5289.

The ASA - Swim 4 Work

It's official – swimming makes you smile.

This is because physical activity stimulates endorphins which are the 'happy hormones' that make you feel good. That's why physical activity such as swimming has positive benefits for general well-being and prevents mental, physical health and muscular-skeletal conditions caused by inactivity. Swimming has also been shown to significantly reduce tension and stress. This is thanks to the fact that when you swim you focus on your coordination and breathing which gives your mind a break.

The benefits don't stop there. As water is about 800 times denser than air, you work harder and burn more calories in a pool than out of it. Different swimming strokes challenge different muscles within the body so you can choose where you tone up as well as getting a whole body workout. Even a gentle swim can burn up to 350 calories in half an hour and a fast front crawl can burn as many calories as an 8mph run.

Going swimming is a great way to achieve the Government's recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week. It's also convenient to do as there are over 3,000 pools throughout England. These offer a great place to socialise, relax and exercise for millions of people from every kind of background.

So, start swimming with Swim 4 Work today. It's not only good for your health, it's also an opportunity to get to know your colleagues better and build a stronger workplace.

Download the Swim 4 Work plack below to find out more...

Get Cycling!

Sustrans are launchingThe Big Cycle and Walk Challenge which runs from June 2nd - 30th. Why not register to join? It's a great way for individuals, groups and organisations to clock up more journeys on foot and by bike. You can compete with friends, colleagues and participants from across the UK and there are some great prizes on offer! Your Personal Challenge allows you to set personal targets and compete with others to log the most walking or cycling journeys. Detailed statistics are provided on your progress and position. The Group Challenge pits groups and organisations against each other to see who can secure the highest level of participation. You can upload photos, stories and interact, and there are different size categories to create a level playing field for all. For more information go to: http://www.getmeactive.org.uk/content/about

Get cycling in Leicester – Dates for your diary:

• Cycle Challenge running from 25^th June to 15^th July Register at www.leicestershirecyclechallenge.org.uk Ride for 10 mins to win.
• Opening of re-furbished Bike Park in Leicester's, Town Hall Square, Leicester City Centre. Leicester's Bike Park has refurbished changing facilities, extended space for bike parking and is the first venue to trial Leicester's new Smart ticket called the One Card.
• Building Cycling Cultures Conference, Queens building, De Montfort University, 9^th and 10^th June.
• Ride Leicester Festival (including Sky Ride 26^th ) 23^rd to 27^th August.
• Cycle Works - a new cycle maintenance training venue is now open on Wellington Street as part of Leicester's Adult Education College. Bike Maintenance courses are available to book on www.lasals.co.uk For more information contact: Sally Slade, Team Leader Local Sustainable Transport. Tel: 0116 252 6553

Check out the travel calculator below which has been promoted by Bike Week! This calculator has been produced and supplied by Paul Adams (North Tyneside Council Travel Plan Team) and Amy Carroll (Cobalt Business Park Travel Plan Team)

The figures generated are estimates, subject to a number of variables, and are for guidance only.

Cycle Live: a brand weekend cycling festival for Nottingham and the East Midlands this year, called E.ON Cycle Live. The event includes the E.ON Nottingham Grand Prix on Friday 13 July, the E.ON Festival of Cycling on the Saturday and E.ON Great Notts Bike Ride on the Sunday. Within the weekend, there are two corporate events, a corporate relay race on the Friday night and a corporate team challenge on the Sunday as part of the Great Notts Bike Ride.

To enter and to find out more check out the poster below or visit the website www.cyclelivenottingham.co.uk