Up and running in Charlton
Junior parkrun gets community grant
Andover junior parkrun has received a £1,000 Councillor Community Grant to help establish a regular running event in Charlton.
Charlton ward member, Councillor Ian Carr, has awarded the grant in support of the weekly Sunday morning 2k run, held at Charlton Sports Fields, which is open to children aged between 4 and 14 years old. Although the event is timed, it is not a 'race', and the emphasis is on taking part and removing barriers to running and exercise.
Councillor Ian Carr said: “I hope that junior parkrun will encourage young people to take part in physical activity on a regular basis. Childhood obesity is a serious public health challenge, so it is important for us to encourage children to exercise in a fun and informal manner.”
Kate Bone, Event Director of Andover junior parkrun, added: “We would like to thank Councillor Carr for supporting the project. The link between a healthy body and a healthy mind is well known. Increasing children's participation in fun, physical activity helps to consolidate a life-long habit and passion for sport, and is an investment in the social health of our community.”
Andover junior parkrun has also been funded by Simply Health and Energise Me.
Test Valley Borough Council’s Councillor Community Grant scheme helps to fund community-led initiatives that are identified as meeting a need in the community, based on feedback from residents.