Stuart GouldenA new Olympic Pledge initiative has been launched to encourage York’s residents to commit to a healthier lifestyle this Summer.
Councillor Sonja Crisp, cabinet member with responsibility for Leisure, Culture and Social Inclusion said: “Our Olympic Pledge site is one of the many ways that residents can join in the spirit of the 2012 London Games. I hope that sharing their Olympic-inspired pledges will help them reach their goals and motivate others – they’ll certainly spur me on when Director of Communities and Neighbourhoods Sally Burns and I run the ten kilometre race on 5 August at the Knavesmire.
“I urge anyone aiming to help make York a happier, healthier place to live to go to www.york.gov.uk/yorkgold2012 and sign up. When the Olympic Torch arrives to light up York on 19 June, this is a chance for people’s ambition to shine.”
Pledges totalling over 310 hours have already been made at ‘My Pledge for York Gold 2012′ at www.york.gov.uk/yorkgold2012. Amongst them is council Chief Executive Kersten England who has committed 12 hours to running/walking the Yorkshire Dales’ Three Peaks before the end of 2012.
Whether someone wants to celebrate the Torch passing by decorating their garden or plans to compete in a particular event – the council would love to hear about it!
Residents wanting to pledge to be more active can get some extra inspiration at the Olympic Torch Relay afternoon celebration of sport and activity at the Knavesmire on 19 June from 2pm. This free event will include sports demonstrations and interactive stands offering tasters of activities including basketball, cheer-leading, table tennis and equestrian activities. Everyone with an Olympic-inspired pledge to help make York a happier, healthier place to live should go to www.york.gov.uk/yorkgold2012 and sign up.
At www.york.gov.uk/yorkgold2012, people inspired to take up the city-wide invitation to join in the free, unticketed Olympic Torch Relay evening party hosted by LOCOG on the Knavesmire on 19 June from 5.30pm can express their interest in going along and joining in and give their details to help support planning for the event.
The party will be thrown by Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung and besides loads of music, film, freebies and interactive stalls, a major star will be the highlight of the evening’s entertainment with a big name announced due shortly.
