Fancy yourself as a bit of an artiste? Have a flair for photography beyond the family album? Need a creative outlet from the daily drag?<br><br>Then take part in Take Part, an Islington-wide art competition in which entrants of all ages are invited to submit artworks that will inspire local people to participate in healthy exercise.<br><br>Organised by Whittington Hospital and supported by Islington Council, Arsenal Football Club and Aquaterra Leisure, the competition aims to heighten awareness of the variety of forms of exercise available to, and practiced by, the diverse community of Islington.<br><br>As well as being open to school students, Take Part invites entries from adults (17 years and over) for the categories: photography; painting, drawing and collage; and sculpture, textiles and other media.<br><br>Every adult entrant will receive a free pass to an Aquaterra Leisure Centre for a gym, swim or sauna session. In addition, they will go in the running for one of three one-year platinum membership cards to the Aquaterra Sports Centres in Islington.<br><br>Short-listed entries will be displayed in an exhibition at Arsenal FC’s Highbury conference hall. The club will also host a reception for the prize-giving ceremony.<br><br>Younger entrants have the chance to win a free coaching session at the Highbury sports hall, tickets to an Arsenal home game and a pitch-side presentation of certificates. <br><br>Competition organiser Juliet Benton, a physiotherapist from Whittington Hospital, said: “Just like the Aquaterra offer of a free swim to all entrants, we want to make it clear that participation can be just as important as winning. <br><br>“What we hope to get is a snap shot of all the different activities enjoyed by Islington people of all abilities, all backgrounds and all ages.”<br><br>Executive member for health and adult social care, Cllr Merel Ece, said: “Islington has some outstanding sporting facilities located throughout the borough that cater for all kinds of activities and ability levels.”<br><br>“This competition is an excellent way for Islington residents to show their sporting interests through art and hopefully engage other people in the borough to become involved in sport and exercise.”<br><br>Details and further information, including entry forms, can be found on the Whittington web-site, www.whittington.nhs.uk, or by contacting Juliet on 020 7288 5067 or take.part@whittington.nhs.uk<br><br>Children can enter privately or through their schools. Entry is free and submissions should be sent to The Arts Office, The Whittington Hospital, Highgate Hill, London N19 5NF to arrive by 5pm on Friday 21 October.
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009