Give it a Go is a sports campaign being run in Wandsworth which aims to support more people having a go at sport in their local area. Over 5 different local sports clubs will be organising free sports provision for people of all ages and abilities in October and November 2012.

With the London Olympics and Paralympics as its inspiration, Give it a Go offers residents the opportunity to try some of the sports and activities showcased at the Games such as Basketball, Athletics, Rugby, Football..

The Battersea Female Running Group is one of the providers offering free activities as part of Give it a Go. Jake Waldron, Head Coach, is excited about the prospect of the project: "We have seen a huge rise in the interest in Athletics at our club since the start of the Olympics for both adults and juniors. We are really looking forward to offering free activities as part of Give it a Go as we feel it is a great opportunity to get people into the sport that haven’t played before or haven’t played since school."

This is the third time Give it a Go has been run in Wandsworth and to date it has introduced or re-engaged over 25 participants into local sports clubs. Gabriella Malcolm took part in the March 2012 Give it a Go campaign and has not looked back: "I had not played basketball outside school and was nervous about joining a basketball club as I was new to the area. I saw an advert for Give it a Go and really enjoyed the sessions as the club were very friendly and welcoming. I am now into my second season and have made some great friends along the way!"

Give it a Go has been funded through the FreeSport strand of the Mayors Sport Legacy Programme and is being coordinated PRO-ACTIVE Central London and Wandsworth. Director of PRO-ACTIVE Central London, Angus Robertson highlights the benefits: "This initiative is a unique opportunity for Wandsworth residents to sample a range of sport and physical activities which might not normally be available to them. We have seen first hand, the power of the Olympics and Paralympics in motivating people of all ages and abilities to give sport a go and we are looking forward to starting Give it a Go in October."

For more information and to find activities in your area, please visit www.giveitago.org .
September 25, 2012