This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Executive to back healthy Hogmanay
13/11/2002
A New Year's Day Event, part of Edinburgh's Hogmanay
celebrations, which aims to kickstart the nation's activity
levels Is to be backed by the Executive.
A total of £20,000 has been awarded to the New Year -
New You event with £10,000 coming from Major Events and
10,000 from Health Divisions.
Focusing on New Year's resolutions, the event will take
place in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, and will involve a
variety of family-based activities designed to promote a
healthy lifestyle.
The activities include:
- A One O'clock run for families from Edinburgh
Castle to Holyrood
- First Day Workout - a mass aerobics session
- Fun orienteering for families
- Mass Tai Chi
- Climbing Wall
- Skateboard Jam
Deputy Health Minister Mary Mulligan said:
"Inactivity is a major factor in ill health and
unfortunately people in Scotland are just not active
enough. Increased physical fitness and activity can greatly
reduce the risk of diseases like chronic heart disease and
diabetes.
"As a nation we must become more active but we don't
need to be sweating it out in the gym to make a difference.
And of course, New Year is a perfect time. Many of us make
resolutions aimed at adopting a healthier lifestyle -
eating a healthy diet, taking more exercise or stopping
smoking.
"New Year - New You, will provide the opportunity for
people, of all ages and abilities, to take part in a fun
day which will allow them to experience new and exciting
ways to becoming more active - from the gentle art of Tai
Chi to the thrill of skateboarding."
Mike Watson, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport,
said:
"This event is an excellent example of the kind of
festival we aim to promote through our Major Events
Strategy. As well as providing a focus for Scots to
re-examine their lifestyles and kickstart their New Year's
resolutions, this will also provide a further reason for
visitors to extend their stay in our country to enjoy this
uniquely Scottish celebration."
Statistics show that 72 per cent of women, 59 per cent
of men, 40 per cent of girls and 27 per cent of boys do not
take enough exercise.
The Executive's Health Improvement Strategy has
established a Physical Activity Task Force which acts as a
steering group to take forward physical activity in
Scotland. It consists of 18 members and it has reviewed
research, identified good practice and formulated
recommendations to reverse the trend in declining activity
levels.
members of the public wishing to find out more about the
events of New Year's Day they should contact:
0131-220-3234.