Get involved

Nordic Walking For Health are participating in Take Part Festival in Preston Park this month, writes Ciaran Bushby

As they say, it’s not the winning, it’s the taking part that counts, and Brighton’s Take Part Festival, brings taking part to a whole new level. Returning to the city for the fifth year running, Take Part Festival is a celebration of the varied sports and activities available right on our doorstep in Brighton. There are hundreds of taster sessions throughout the festival, launched in Preston Park on Sunday 23 June, many of them available for free, with no booking required. Latest 7 shines the spotlight on Take Part regulars Nordic Walking For Health.

With the Olympics fast approaching, 2012 is an important year for sports, and at Nordic Walking For Health they understand the importance of regular exercise for wellbeing. “This is not just about sport, but any physical activity. When you look at the national obesity problems, it is not just about sport, but the benefits that exercise can have on people and the community,” says Peter Williamson, director and lead instructor of Nordic Walking For Health. “We have been involved in promoting Nordic Walking for a long time, and think it is just as important to maintain fitness as to get fit in the first place. Take Part is about getting people started.” This year they have the ‘Stanmer Park Experience at the Preston Park launch event on 23 June, where you can come along and try out Nordic Walking for yourself.

“We all have the potential to live longer, healthier, and above all, happier lives”

Hailed as one of the biggest celebrations of sport and physical activity in the country, Take Part is all about getting involved, trying out new activities and finding the one that will motivate you to lead a healthier lifestyle. By making small changes to our diet and lifestyle, we all have the potential to live longer, healthier, and above all, happier lives. At Take Part there really is an activity for everyone: all ages and abilities can find something to interest them.

The launch event will be packed full of free activities as well healthy food concessions. Take Part Festival’s second weekend will showcase the best that local sports clubs have to offer. Activities will include traditional sports such as croquet and running, combined with contemporary activities like Fit and Fun Families. The third and final weekend will see the festival move to the seafront and team up with the annual Paddle Round The Pier free watersports festival. So whether you’re a fitness fanatic or looking for a new hobby, make sure to check out Take Part Festival this year.

More information on Nordic Walking can be found at www.nordicwalkingforhealth.co.uk. Take Part Festival, 23 June–8 July, For a full programme of events and venues visit www.takepartbrightonandhove.co.uk