Sarah Sleight, Sports Development Officer at Lichfield District Council, James Austin, Haydn Harries and Sophie Capewell

Local sporting stars have helped to launch Lichfield District Council’s new physical activity strategy.

The document will help inform how facilities and activities will be developed in the future.

It also describes the contribution the local authority hopes clubs, schools, public bodies and other groups will play in making sure residents remain active across Lichfield and Burntwood.

Sarah Sleight, Sports Development Officer at Lichfield District Council, James Austin, Haydn Harries and Sophie Capewell
Sarah Sleight, Sports Development Officer at Lichfield District Council, James Austin, Haydn Harries and Sophie Capewell
Junior cycling champion Sophie Capewell, and judo star James Austin joined 90-year-old Haydn Harries, who is Friary Grange Leisure Centre’s oldest gym member, to launch the Physical Activity and Sport Strategy.

Councillor Andy Smith, Cabinet member for leisure at Lichfield District Council, said: “This summer we’ve been treated to such a lot of inspirational sporting moments, from Andy Murray winning his second Wimbledon championship, to Team GB’s record breaking performance in the Rio Games, and we’ve still got the Paralympic Games to look forward to.

“This makes it the perfect time to launch our Physical Activity and Sport Strategy, as it sets out how we will work in partnership to encourage more people to take exercise more often.”

A copy of the strategy can be downloaded from www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/pass.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.