Lambeth: Fit for 2012!
Culture Minister Rt Hon.Tessa Jowell MP has given her backing to plans by Lambeth’s Labour councillors to dramatically increase the amount of sporting activities available to young people in the borough. If Labour wins the May 2006 local elections they will roll out a programme of sporting events for young people. The programme called “Fit for 2012” will use the enthusiasm created by the 2012 London Olympics to encourage more young people to get involved in sport. Tessa pledged her support for the plan whilst talking to youngsters outside Clapham Manor Swimming Pool this Saturday. “Fit for 2012” will involve large scale, annual inter-school and inter-club sports competitions, more investment in sports facilities and the protection of existing leisure provision. Labour wants more young people in the borough to take part in sport, promoting healthier lifestyles and giving young people a positive choice of activities. The 2012 Olympics in London provides the perfect motivation for more young people to get involved in sport. Lambeth Labour’s manifesto, which will be launched later this month, will pledge to: “Promote and support a “Fit for 2012” programme. An annual borough-wide sport and cultural festival to engage young people in healthy, positive activity.”
Labour’s plan sits in stark contrast the record of Lambeth’s ruling Liberal Democrats and Conservatives. They plan to sell off the borough’s swimming pools, such as Clapham Manor, to fill the whole in their finances created by waste and large scale fraud. Tessa Jowell MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport, said: "The Olympics provides local authorities across London with a great opportunity to engage more people in sporting activity. Young people especially need encouragement and good quality facilities to get involved. I am delighted that Lambeth Labour councillors have decided to use the Olympics as a springboard for more healthy activities for young people.” Councillor Steve Reed, Leader of Lambeth Labour, said: “This borough needs a council which will empower young people to take part in sport, not sell off their local leisure centres. In contrast to the Lib Dems and Tories, Labour would protect local sports facilities in Brixton, Clapham and Streatham. “Our “Fit for 2012” programme
will greatly increase the number and quality of sports competitions in
the borough – meaning more young people can enjoy their sport and
stay healthier.”
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