Ref: PR2249
Date: 19/06/2009

State of the art London 2012 outdoor gym heads straight to Wakefield.

Wakefield is the first venue outside of London to get a state-of-the-art outdoor gym as part of the legacy and run-up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The adiZone gym and sport installation will be built at Hemsworth Arts and Community College and should be open to the public to use for free by 27 July – three years to the start of the 2012 Olympics in London.

It will include a streetball court, tennis wall, climbing wall and outdoor gym equipment as well as an open space for dance, aerobics, gymnastics and martial arts.

adiZones, designed and developed by London 2012 sponsor adidas, are permanent, 625 sq metre outdoor facilities that aim to encourage sporting participation in the local community. The site will be inspired by the many sports of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and feature outdoor gym equipment, a streetball court, tennis and climbing walls plus open space for dance, aerobics, gymnastics and martial arts. Four have been recently built in London and the project is now going nationwide with Wakefield being the first place to benefit from the project.

Work will start on Monday 22 June when Wakefield Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member with responsibility for sport Cllr Denise Jeffery and pupils from the college will cut the turf at a ground breaking event.

Cllr Jeffery said: “The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are a great opportunity to inspire everyone to lead healthy and active lifestyles and it is fantastic that we can be part of it with this new outdoor gym. In London the adiZone has proved very popular and it is the perfect time to provide free sporting opportunities so people can stay fit even during the credit crunch.

“We’re committed to getting people active regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or ability and there will be something for everyone at the state-of-the-art outdoor gym. This is a great example of how we work with partners to give the community the best possible facilities and we hope to use it as a venue for free sports sessions as part of our extensive development programme which aims to increase participation in sports.”

The many sports and activities that can take place in and around adiZone are dance, judo, gym training, athletics, jogging, karate and keep fit. There will also be the chance to take part in organised activities and events in partnership with local clubs and schools.

The project, which will cost £150,000, is being led by Wakefield Council in partnership with NHS Wakefield District, Destination Yorkshire (part of Yorkshire Forward), Hemsworth Town Council and Hemsworth Arts and Community College.

NHS Wakefield District’s Interim Director of Public Health, Dr Anita Roy said: “We’re really pleased to be able to help make the outdoor gym a reality for the district’s residents. It will give so many more people the opportunity to try out a variety of activities for free. Taking part in regular exercise has so many health benefits from helping to reduce stress and depression to reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease and stroke. We hope as many people as possible will take the opportunity to use the new facilities and perhaps try out a new sport.”

Kate Auld Manager of Yorkshire Gold, Yorkshire's Olympic Committee, added: "Installing the very first AdiZone outside London is testament to Yorkshire's passion, sporting ambition and Wakefield seizing London 2012 opportunities for residents to enjoy."

Ends