The Institute for Sports, Parks & Leisure (ISPAL) holds first seminar of the year

The Institute for Sports, Parks & Leisure (ISPAL) holds first seminar of the year - Wicksteed Playscapes, sole sponsors of ISPAL's first seminar of the year entitled Spring Outdoors for a Healthier Life - which took place in Leicester -is keen to report that the event was very well received, resulting in some excellent feedback from delegates, speakers and organisers alike.

The eight presenters shared their experiences and best practice for utilising green spaces, parks and outdoor facilities – so often under-used by the public.

Ken McAnespie of KMC Consulting kicked off the day by challenging the sector to be more creative in its approach, while Mick McGrath from the Big Lottery Fund removed some of the perceived mystery that surrounds bidding for lottery funding.  James Dymond from Nottingham City Council then showed how to get an entire city thinking more creatively about their parks and open spaces.

Vicky Smyth and Debbie Chesterman, from Get Active in the Forest – a project run by South Derbyshire, and Pauline Beare from Run in England, provided examples of real energy and drive. Run in England provides support and encouragement to get more people running, while Get Active in the Forest encourages individuals, families and local businesses to use forests for a host of physical activities ranging from safe fun with laser guns to Nordic walking and the more gentle pursuit of outdoor yoga.

An inspiring presentation was given by the 2009 ISPAL Sports Development Officer of the Year, Robby Sukhdeo, who has created a thriving business by engaging with the local community in Haringey, North London and developing sports there including tennis, cricket and football.

Jonathan Wilson, Consultant Head of Business Development at ISPAL, said: “We were delighted with the seminar.  Our aim was to create an event that provided the delegates with an intensive day of presentations and debate with the highest quality speakers available and I believe we achieved this.  I would also like to place on record our thanks to seminar sponsors, Wicksteed Playscapes, for the support they provided ISPAL in helping us run the event.” 

Sheila Rockingham, Commercial Director of Wicksteed, said: “We were extremely happy to be able to support ISPAL’s aims to maximise outdoor space and thus encourage both children and adults alike to spend more time in the fresh air.  This fitted in closely with our work with Staffordshire University’s Centre for Sport & Exercise Research, researching into the design and usage of external exercise and fitness equipment for the achievement of maximum health benefits for all ages.”

A great view whilst Xerscaping!

Xerscaper in Cambridge take exercise outdoors