Over 100 Islington schoolchildren have so far taken part in the council's free swimming lessons this summer. The scheme gave 10 free lessons to children unable to swim 25 metres or more, at Ironmonger Row, Cally and Archway pools.
The scheme is part of the council's drive to increase physical activity among younger residents. The children, who previously weren't able to swim 25 metres, are now much more confident in the water.
Sport and an active lifestyle are vital to the healthy development of children. The council is working to promote participation in sport, including re-launching a grant scheme to local sports clubs in October.
Councillor George Allan, Executive Member for Customer Focus, said:
"We're very pleased by the success of the scheme. We want children to learn to swim as a fun and healthy activity they will want to keep doing all their lives.
"Islington is a great place to swim for everyone, with four public swimming pools. We want to get everyone to take more exercise and we've got a lot more schemes to help do this coming along soon."
This summer the council funded Islington's most extensive summer of sport so far with over £120,000 being spent on health and sports activities over the holidays.
The free swimming runs from 7 August to 1 September.
In the last year alone £2.1m has been invested into Islington's sport and leisure facilities (£1.6m on Highbury Pool and £500k on Whittington Park).
ENDS
Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008