Who says walking isn’t an Olympic sport?
2012 is a fantastic year for the UK; but do you know about all of the other activities that are going on to capture the spirit of the Olympics and leave a lasting legacy for us once the Games are over?
The London 2012 Cultural Olympiad is the largest cultural celebration in modern Olympic history. Taking place over four years, the aim of the Olympiad is to give everyone in the UK a chance to be part of London 2012 and inspire creativity across all cultures.
Can this really link to walking? Yes it can! Walking is a fantastic way to get fit, make new friends and explore the heritage, culture and history of your local area. Here are just two examples of how walkers can get involved:
For new walkers or people who would like to walk more, the Walk4Life Miles challenge could be just what you are looking for! Led by Walk England and the Department of Health, this challenge aims to build a network of way-marked 1 mile routes across the country for people to enjoy. You can make up your own routes or simply walk someone else’s. To find out more visit the Walk4Life Miles webpage and start exploring your local area www.walk4life.info.
For people who enjoy walking but would like an added twist, why not get involved with Walk the World www.walktheworld.org.uk. Anyone who walks will undoubtedly have discovered a little about local history and wildlife inhabiting their community, sometimes with surprising results. Walk the World encourages people to explore the history of their area and find links with the other Olympic and Paralympic nations. The end result will be an interactive way to explore, share and learn about the 206 Olympic nations without having to leave the UK. You can add local walks that you enjoy, or simply enjoy some of the fascinating examples already listed, including: Liverpool’s international trade network, how Edinburgh became the ‘Athens of the North’ and much more. All walks are available to download so you can also use them on your travels.
There is a huge range of activities being organised as part of the Cultural Olympiad and local people are being encouraged to get involved at every stage. For full information about the Olympiad and what is happening in your area, visit www.london2012.com/cultural-olympiad. There will also be a variety of events happening across South Gloucestershire, so be sure to regularly visit the Council’s website www.southglos.gov.uk and local libraries for information.
What else is available near you?
Walking to Health in South Gloucestershire provides free, weekly, led walks for people of all ages. There is no need to book, you can just turn up!
Walks are graded from half a mile to four miles, which means we can support people of all walking abilities: from people who use wheelchairs and mobility aids to those people who want to increase their fitness and stamina over more challenging ground.
If you want to find out more (and who wouldn’t?) call 01454 868006, email foodandhealth@southglos.gov.uk or visit www.southglos.gov.uk/walkingtohealth
Walking leaflets from South Gloucestershire Council:
Cotswold Way, Frome Valley Walkway, Severn Way, Jubilee Way, Dramway etc.
Phone 01454 868004 or search for ‘walks routes’ in www.southglos.gov.uk