6,500 young people in Cornwall offered new activities

Young people from across Cornwall are now able to try their hand at an exciting range of different sports activities as part of a major new programme, launched last month by the Cornwall Sports Partnership.

‘Sport Unlimited’, a £36 million national initiative funded by Sport England, and being implemented in Cornwall by the Cornwall Sports Partnership, aims to get more children and young people taking part in sports that interest them most outside of school.

The three-year programme will enable 6,500 more young people each year in Cornwall to choose from a range of greatly discounted and often free activities, from kayaking and mountain biking to street dancing and swimming.

Tim Marrion, Cornwall Sports Partnership Services Manager, explains: “Sport Unlimited is a fantastic opportunity for Cornish kids to try out something new and have some fun! Specifically for those who may ordinarily shy away from a number of sports because of the level of competition; the clubs we’ve facilitated through Sport Unlimited offer a completely level playing ground and should hopefully see talents emerge as everyone learns and enjoys together.”

One new club, introduced and funded through the scheme, is Teenspiration. Designed for teenagers between the ages of 11 and 16, it draws on a range of exercises including cheerleading, hip-hop dance, hula fitness, Bollywood dance, pilates, street dance and circuit training.

Petra Rowden-Harvey, Teenspiration instructor and organiser, said: "It's hard to encourage teenagers to stay fit and healthy when cross-trainers and rowing machines in the gym seem so unappealing.

"Teenspiration has evolved from my personal love of sport and all things different, I loved playing hula-hoop when I was a child, and I have always had an affinity for dance and related sports.

Teenagers often lack in confidence and I hope that by trying new hobbies it will give them the opportunity to discover talents and skills that will be a real boost to their self-esteem."

The eight-week Teenspiration programme takes place on Mondays at Brannel School (3.30pm - 4.25pm); on Tuesdays at Fowey School (3.45pm - 4.40pm); on Wednesdays at Polkyth Leisure Centre (4pm-4.55pm); and Thursdays at Roche Victory Hall (4pm - 4.55pm). To book on to the sessions, please contact Petra on:  07789991391 or email inspirational_fitness@hotmail.com

There are a number of different Sport Unlimited clubs on offer across Cornwall, some are already running and others are due to start next term. Click here to find out more and to get involved!