Bridgwater set to be transformed into a giant game thanks to funding from Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership, Somerset Council and Bridgwater Town Council.
An innovative physical activity game that has engaged more than two million people is set to launch in
Bridgwater. The Beat the Street game will take place in Bridgwater from 10th June to 8th July thanks to funding from the National Lottery via Sport England, Somerset Council and Bridgwater Town Council.
Beat the Street encourages people to get outside and to get active and is open to anyone of any age whowould like to take part. The game works by turning the town into a real-life game and residents will soon start to see special sensors called Beat Boxes appearing on lampposts around the area. Prior to the game, primary school pupils from participating schools will be provided with cards while parents and teachers will also receive a card from the school so they can accompany children. The wider community can pick up a free contactless card from a distribution point listed on the website www.beatthestreet.me/bridgwater/. Alternatively, players aged 13+ can choose to participate via a mobile app, which can be downloaded via Google Play or iOS App Store.
Players join a school or community team to participate, or you can set up your own team with a minimum of 6 players. Players then walk, cycle or wheel between the 36 Beat Boxes which are spaced half a mile apart – tapping the cards as they go, or using the mobile app. The further players travel, the more points they score. Beat the Street was created by GP Dr William Bird MBE, an expert in physical activity and the founder of Intelligent Health. Beat the Street has not only had a significant impact on increasing levels of physical activity
amongst adults and children, but also helps reduce congestion, improve air quality, and helps families spend
time in green spaces together.
Jake Hannis, Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership Deputy CEO said: “We are incredibly excited to be bringing Beat the Street to Bridgwater. We know that one of the best things people can do for their physical and mental health is to move more and to get out into green space where possible, and Beat the Street really helps people do just that in a fun and engaging way. “It’s free to take part in Beat the Street and it’s open to everyone regardless of age, ability or background. It’s an inclusive game that encourages you to exercise from your front door and to clock up the miles within the game framework.”
According to research, one in four people in England does less than 30 minutes of physical activity a week, which classes them as inactive. Four out of five primary school children do not get the recommended amount of daily exercise of 60 minutes a day.
The funding from National Lottery via Sport England along with funding from Somerset Council and Bridgwater Town Council will not only help people in Bridgwater to get active, but also to leave a positive legacy to improve the community’s health and wellbeing. For more information and to sign up to the game, please visit Bridgwater|Beat the Street or follow us on Facebook for all local updates at www.facebook.com/BeatTheStreetBridgwater/.