Let's Move with Active Bradford

A group of girls from Westbourne Primary School and Atlas Primary School joined a fun JU:MP session at Manningham Sports Centre this week, where the Sweaty Betty Foundation, in partnership with Saucony, handed out free pairs of trainers to help the joy of movement become part of participants' daily lives.

The theme of this year's IWD on 8th March was 'Give to Gain' - and collaboration, generosity and long-term investment are absolutely vital when it comes to breaking down the barriers that make it too hard for too many young girls to access the benefits of exercise and sport.

Through Active Bradford's world-leading JU:MP programme, the organisation knows that South Asian girls and women are significantly less active than their peers - and tackling that inequality is at the heart of everything Active Bradford does across the district. Cost and access to kit are one of many barriers for girls who are least likely to be active.

Last week's event marks the start of a wider rollout that will see the Sweaty Betty Foundation donate up to 200 free pairs of trainers to girls across the five focus areas featured in the 'Let's Move!' campaign, helping children work towards the NHS recommendation of 60 minutes of exercise each day.

Active Bradford CEO James Brown:
"We are delighted to welcome the Department for Culture Media & Sport and the Sweaty Betty Foundation to Bradford as part of the Let's Move campaign. Recognising International Women's Day feels incredibly fitting because at Active Bradford, tackling inequality in sport and physical activity is at the heart of everything we do.

"This campaign, using in a real Bradford family's story, is a brilliant step forward and we're proud to support this conversation nationally."

Sweaty Betty Foundation director Afsana Lachaux said:
"When we remove barriers, girls thrive. By providing essential kit and working alongside Government and local communities, we are helping to ensure that more girls, particularly those facing the greatest barriers, can step into sport, build confidence, and enjoy the lifelong benefits of movement."

Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock said:
"Whether it's launching local initiatives like this or the £400 million we're investing in grassroots sports facilities all over the UK, the Government is committed to making physical activity truly accessible to all. This practical support will make an immediate, tangible difference to the lives of these young girls and we are delighted to be working with the Sweaty Betty Foundation to mark International Women's Day and build a healthier, more active nation."

The Sweaty Betty Foundation is tackling barriers to girls' participation through its P.A.C.K intervention model, which addresses puberty, attitudes, changing room environment and access to kit, ensuring girls have the practical support they need to be active.

'Let's Move!' is showing families in Bradford - as well as Essex, Sandwell, Blackpool and the wider Lancashire region - simple, affordable ways to make exercising together part of their household routine, which can start with just 10 minutes. It has been backed by celebrities including fitness guru Joe Wicks, Olympians Max Whitlock and Beth Tweddle, and Love Island's Alex and Olivia Bowen, while Bradford's very own Mehreen Naz and her three daughters are currently starring in a local radio campaign.

Families looking for simple and fun ways to get active together can find advice and support on the NHS Healthier Families website or find local activities here.