Sporting-Lincs Forum

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NHS Lincolnshire has confirmed that they will be supporting Free Swimming for children aged 16 and under in Lincolnshire for another year.

The second year of the ‘Free Swimming’ scheme will be funded by NHS Lincolnshire and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). It will continue to be a county-wide initiative involving all seven districts and will be co-ordinated and managed by the Lincolnshire Sports Partnership.

The scheme follows on from a very successful first year which provided over 300,000 opportunities at 15 facilities for individuals aged 16 and under in Lincolnshire to swim for free. The project is now hoping to build on last year’s success and encourage more young people throughout the county to swim for free.

Phillip Garner, Health Improvement Principal for NHS Lincolnshire said:

“We are delighted to support another year of free swimming for those 16 and under across Lincolnshire. Swimming is a great way to keep fit and healthy whilst having fun with friends and family. Children who keep active will have a healthier heart, increased strength and stamina and are less likely to be at risk of obesity. We will continue to work with our partners to make it easier for people in Lincolnshire to lead healthier lifestyles.”

Cllr Sue Woolley, Executive Councillor for Health for Lincolnshire County Council said:

"It's excellent news that this initiative will continue for another year, allowing young people to continue benefitting from free swimming in the short-term, and becoming more likely to continue regular exercise into adulthood, giving longer-term health benefits. Recently the Chief Medical Officers' annual report recommended increased levels of physical activity as a key health benefit, and this scheme is just one way of encouraging people to build exercise into their everyday lives."

The second year of the project will begin today, on 1st April 2010, and will take place at leisure facilities and swimming pools across Lincolnshire.

Find your nearest Free Swimming opportunity below:

• Yarborough Leisure Centre, Lincoln 01522 873600
• The Priory City Academy, Lincoln (Sundays only 10am - 4pm)

• Geoff Moulder Leisure Pool Complex, Boston 01205 363483

• Jubilee Park Swimming Pool, Woodhall Spa 01526 353478 (May-Sept only)
• The Meridian Centre, Louth 01507 507650
• Horncastle Swimming Pool, Horncastle 01507 522489
• Embassy Swimming Pool, Skegness 01754 610675

• North Kesteven Centre, North Hykeham 01522 883311
• Sleaford Leisure Centre 01529 303081

• Grantham Meres Leisure Centre 01476 581930
• Bourne Leisure Centre 01778 421435
• Deepings Leisure Centre 01778 344072
• Stamford Leisure Centre 01780 765 522‎
• Castle Sports Complex, Spalding 01775 762178

• West Lindsey Leisure Centre, Gainsborough 01427 615169