It’s fun…
It’s free…
And it’s here!
From Wednesday April 1 onwards, people in Wigan will be discovering that for a great, low-cost, healthy activity that all the family will love – just add water.
Because the borough is set to become one of the first in the country to offer free swimming for everyone.
In 2005 Wigan became the first borough in England to offer free swimming to children up to the age of 17. It was such a success that a year later the offer was extended to include the over 60s. The results saw a 60 per cent increase in young people taking to the water and a 20 per cent increase in older people using the borough’s pools.
But now everyone can dive in and enjoy the fun for free!
The initiative is being funded by the government and a partnership between Wigan Council, Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust and NHS Ashton, Leigh and Wigan.
The aim is simple – to get Wigan more active, healthier and having fun!
Chair of NHS Ashton, Leigh and Wigan Alan Stephenson says:
“Getting more people active is a priority for us, so we’re delighted to play a key role in the expansion of the swimming offer, enabling everyone in the borough to access swimming for free.”
The borough will be celebrating the launch of free swimming in style on Friday March 27 with a ‘Big Splash’ at the borough’s newest pool at Leigh Indoor Centre.
Guests of honour will include Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and Leigh MP Andy Burnham, who has pledged to roll out free swimming for everyone in the country by 2012, based on the pioneering work already undertaken in Wigan.
Mr Burnham says:
“Offering free swimming was just the kind of imaginative action which inspired me to take this local ground breaking initiative onto the national stage."
“Swimming’s appeal is universal. Whether you are young or old swimming is something people can do as a family that is fun and also good for your health. It is the perfect antidote to the couch potato culture and, here in Leigh, we can also boast a modern ‘state of the art’ pool at Leigh Sports Village.”
"Getting people more active is vital to the health of the nation and to tackling obesity. Swimming is fun and has universal appeal so 2009 is the year to get your trunks on!"
Joining Mr Burnham and the other invited guests at the launch event will be the borough’s very own gold medal swimming sensation Heather Frederiksen.
Billinge-born Heather took five medals, including one gold, in the pool at last summer’s Paralympic Games in Beijing.
They will be joined by a host of local up-and-coming swimmers including some of the borough’s Team GB hopefuls for the 2012 games including rising Wigan Pentathlon star Alice Fitton.
Welcoming the move, Leader of Wigan Council Lord Peter Smith says:
“We are thrilled to be one of the first authorities in the country to introduce universal free swimming.
“Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise and now everyone can take the plunge towards a healthier lifestyle.”
The initiative will be managed and delivered by Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust through five of the borough’s public swimming pools: Ashton, Hindley, Howe Bridge, Leigh and Tyldesley.
The Trust will be looking to offer additional activities over the long-term such as ‘targeted’ free swimming lessons and sports hall-based events.
Chief Executive of Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust Rodney Hill says:
“Free swimming for under 16s and over 60s has been incredibly successful – now everyone will be able to take a free plunge towards a healthier lifestyle. From April 1 onwards everyone should get a Lifestyle card and come on in, the water’s lovely!’
