Website for health and fitness launched

A new website containing blogs from athletes, recipes from world champions and information on how to keep fit has launched for Manchester pupils.

The website www.yougo4it.co.uk/manchester aims to help young people improve their diet and fitness levels while helping them to make better meal choices.

The site was created by Arnold Fewell and is linked to the British Olympic Association.

With more young people suffering from obesity and eating disorders the website hopes to provide a forum for young people to get involved and find ways of becoming more active. There are links to local sports clubs as well as useful tips on why being active is good for you. Lucy Boggis, 17, is a heptathlete who hopes to compete in the Olympic Games. She is featured on the web doing her warm-up routine and is keen to encourage people her age to take care of their health and fitness.

Lucy Boggis said: "I was delighted to be invited to attend the launch of the website in Manchester because I think it is important that young people understand the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. When you are exercising it is vital that you eat a balanced diet to give you the energy you need to perform. When I was at school I wish there had been a website like this that I could visit. It is full of fun and interactive activities for young people as well as highlighting a lot of important health issues. I hope that by working with the Manchester City Council and by students reading my monthly blog, I can help change the attitudes of other young people and inspire them to go for their goals like I am doing."

Councillor Bernard Priest executive member for school meals at Manchester City Council, said: "Taking exercise reduces stress, improves concentration and makes you happier. Alongside that you can meet people doing sports and have fun. It is also important to eat a balanced diet and we hope that the website will help young people to feel that they can do this easily at home and at school."

Media contact:

Margaret Blackburn, tel 0161 234 4014