Greater Manchester schools offered free resources to get kids active after lockdown

Dream Big Sports in Oldham is investing 2021 hours into physical activity provision for young people who've missed out during the pandemic.

Author: Victoria GloverPublished 27th Dec 2020

£45,000 is being invested in Greater Manchester to help children catch up on the PE lessons they missed out on over lockdown.

During the first peak of the pandemic, fewer than 20% of kids got the recommended hour a day of physical activity.

Now, Dream Big Spots based in Oldham is offering schools across the region free sport sessions for the new year.

The ‘Get Manchester Active’ campaign will provide 2021 hours of free additional physical activity to those already on the curriculum across Greater Manchester.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham commented; “The health and wellbeing of young people in the city-region is incredibly important. It is not only about maintaining physical health after the pandemic but mental health too, which is why I fully support Dream Big Sports and the 'Get Manchester Active' campaign. I urge our region’s schools to apply for the free physical activity sessions provided by specialist coaches and our wider community to access the additional sessions on offer."

Dream Big Sports Director, Dale Harris added; “This year has been like no other and we are heading into a new calendar year blind to what the long term effects of this global pandemic will be. We are committed to playing our part as a community orientated business to help minimise these effects. In particular in relation to the health and wellbeing of young people across Greater Manchester.

"This is our biggest reinvestment to date but these extraordinary times call for an unprecedented response. We will provide high quality, enjoyable and impactful opportunities for the young people of Greater Manchester to be active again.”

Schools will receive a half term of physical activity by one of the Dream Big Sports specialist coaches. The provision will include a choice of dance, yoga, physical active learning and additional physical activity sessions.

You can find out more and apply for sessions here.