Govt announces free swimming for all
Friday, 06 Jun 2008 10:33
The government is focusing on swimming as a way to make the nation healthier
The government took the first step towards making swimming free for all British residents today, with the announcement of a £130 million fund.
The rollout begins with those over 65. It will then include under-16s and finally everyone.
It comes as part of a three-pronged approach designed to make Britain fitter and more competitive.
Sport England, the body tasked with encouraging sportiness, is being told to focus on 'playing to win' rather than just for a little exercise, while plans are to be announced by Gordon Brown for the number of adults participating in regular sport to increase to one million.
All the plans are targeted for completion in 2012 - in time for the Olympic Games - and, along with ex-London mayor Ken Livingstone's desire to see the Games rejuvenate east London, they constitute the first move by government to ferment lasting change in Britain through hosting the event.
Mr Brown said: "Britain should be competitive in every world sporting event whether it's the Olympics, the World Cup or the European Championships.
"But it has to start with a revolution in our sporting culture, and the engagement of the whole country in sport."
Pamela Holmes, head of healthy ageing at Help the Aged, welcomed the move, saying: "At last we are seeing a positive commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of older people."