A pancake race marked the official launch of the Active Learning Companies Project in Warwickshire.
The event was organised by Warwickshire College, as part of the Active Learning Initiative. Funded by Sport England, this programme aims to encourage participants to introduce exercise into their working day. ruralnet|uk is partnering with Warwickshire College to develop the programme at Stoneleigh Park as a rural cluster.
Seven teams took part in the race at Stoneleigh Park including ruralnet|uk, as well as The Health and Safety Executive, National Farmers Union and National Association of Farriers, Blacksmiths and Agricultural Engineers. Each organisation could enter a team of up to four participants to complete legs of the relay course, which took place on the grassland area directly in front of the Park's Royal Pavilion.
It was a close call at the finishing line, with PR Company, Pharo Communications winning the race and a trophy to mark the occasion. Each individual in the race also received a free meal voucher to exchange at the onsite restaurant. We are delighted that ruralnet|uk came a creditable second!
Nikki Boileau from ruralnet|uk who took part in the race said afterwards,
"One of the benefits of the programme is that as well as directing attention to health issues, it's fun! I never realised so many people worked here. People in rural areas can feel isolated in their individual work environments, where there may be no more than one or two employees, but the Active Learning project gives people a chance to come together in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere - and get fitter at the same time!"
The race was part of the ongoing Active Learning programme at Stoneleigh Park. Activities so far have included weekly 20-minute lunchtime nature walks around the park, health and ‘learning fitness’ tests, as well as the chance to find out more about being healthy at work as optional extras. Different ways to keep fit, such as through flexibility classes, will be introduced during the programme over the coming weeks, as will opportunities to be part of other learning initiatives.
The scheme is a part of a wider new project sponsored by Sport England to give employees and whole organisations the opportunity to learn about and improve personal health and fitness.
For further information contact: Keith Hobbs, Active Learning Companies Team, Warwickshire College (email [email protected]).
Editors Notes:
1. ruralnet|uk is a registered charity (number 1089238). See www.ruralnetuk.org/index.htm
2. ruralnet|uk is based in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, and employs 17 people.
3. The Active Learning Project Team are based at
Warwickshire College: http://www.warkscol.ac.uk/
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