News and Events

Ceredigion 5x60 Roadshow 2008: GET WITH IT!!!

19th November 2008

As the Ceredigion 5x60 Scheme celebrates nearing its third anniversary, the innovative school sport scheme is celebrating reaching another significant milestone following its recent introduction in the remaining two Ceredigion Comprehensive Schools.

Since its launch in Ceredigion in January 2007, the 5x60 Scheme has successfully helped to transform the playing fields and sports halls of secondary schools into hubs of bustling activity from daybreak to nightfall.

The Scheme gets its name from a key target of the Welsh Assembly Government's Climbing Higher strategy to encourage pupils to take part in 60 minute sessions of physical activity five times every week.

During year one, Penweddig school was involved in Ceredigion's Pilot Scheme, under the guidance of Catrin Jones, their 5x60 Officer. As the bell tolled on the start of the new 2007/2008 term, a further four schools hopped on board. In order to deliver the exciting 5x60 Scheme in the additional schools, Ceredigion County Council appointed Bryn Evans as Active Young People Officer with responsibility for recruiting a team of specialist 5x60 Secondary School Sport Co-ordinators. In September 2007, the team welcomed Arwel Jones and Gemma Cutter to the fold, with Nia Jones joining September 2008.

Catrin has responsibility for Penweddig and Penglais Schools, Arwel is based in Lampeter and Tregaron, Gemma is responsible for Aberaeron and Nia is now responsible for Cardigan and Dyffryn Teifi Schools as the Scheme was launched in both schools September 2008.

The 5x60 Team, together with local coaches, Leisure Centres and volunteers worked together to launch the Scheme in the schools and to raise awareness through organising a 5x60 Roadshow in each school. During the course of the 10 day-long Roadshow, the team visited each school site and offered a variety of activities to pupils in years 7, 8 and 9. The activities on offer were decided upon following school questionnaires. Hip-Hop, Dodgeball, Aerobics, Basketball, Rugby, Table Tennis and Volleyball were just some of the activities on offer. Over 2,000 children took part in the Roadshow, with many returning to participate in the established 5x60 activity clubs running weekly within the schools during lunchtimes or after the final school bell!

Bryn Evans, AYP Officer, is encouraged by progress to date and the positive outlook for the future.

"With all Ceredigion's seven secondary schools now on board it is evident that 5x60 is making a very significant contribution towards the delivery of physical activity in secondary schools. Participation in the Scheme has also helped schools to offer a wider range of activities, helping to change attitudes and exceed targets. These figures are a clear demonstration that providing sporting opportunities at a young age – be it on a competitive or purely recreational level– provides the textbook foundation for active lifestyles in adulthood."

If you are interested in volunteering in the 5x60 Scheme or you would like to know more about 5x60 activities in your school, please contact the AYP Team on (01970) 633567 or visit the Ceredigion Actif website at www.ceredigion.gov.uk/ceredigionactif/5x60