Hammersmith and Fulham Residents are Real Good Sports

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Borough named as sportiest in London!

People in Hammersmith & Fulham do more sport than anyone else in London - and that's official!

According to the newly released Active People survey, 28.4 percent of borough residents enjoy three or more half hour sport and physical activity sessions every week - the highest rate in London and the fourth highest in England!

Cllr Paul Bristow, cabinet member for residents' services, said: "This is fantastic news. There are so many reasons why H&F residents are the sportiest in London. Whether it is our beautiful parks and open spaces, our four leisure centres with their excellent facilities or the wide variety of sports clubs that are based in the borough, it is easy to see why we are top of the league when it comes to sport."

The council's commitment to improving sport and recreation has seen more than £6 million ploughed into parks and open spaces including sports facilities, from tennis courts to bowling greens. The four borough leisure centres also provide a vast array of affordable sporting opportunities for people of all ages.

The council also works closely with the Primary Care Trust to develop a fit and healthy borough. In April this year, the leadership teams for both these organisations united to improve the health and wellbeing of the borough's residents. NHS Hammersmith and Fulham will be sponsoring free swim sessions for all under 16s this August at Phoenix and Fulham pools.

Dr Dagmar Zeuner, NHS Hammersmith and Fulham director of public health, said: "It's great news our residents are fitting exercise into their routines. Keeping active is an important part of making sure your body is physically and mentally fit. 

"But exercise isn't everything. A balanced diet, quitting smoking and drinking in moderation are all important too. Your GP can help you will all of these things, so remember to register with one if you haven't already."

So there's no better time or place to get fit and have fun than Hammersmith and Fulham - for a truly sporting summer.

July 7, 2009