School sports facility to help in fight against poor health (From Free Press Series)

School sports facility to help in fight against poor health

WORK has started on a £400,000 state-of-the-art sports facility at a Cwmbran school which will enable pupils to keep tabs on their fitness.

The sports science laboratory at Croesyceiliog Comprehensive - funded by the Lottery schools improvement grant - will contain the latest aerobic equipment, as well as computers to analyse the performance and fitness levels of pupils.

Torfaen council leisure development manager Alun Page said the facility was a breakthrough in the bid to encourage and maintain a healthier lifestyle for youngsters.

He added that recent Sports Council for Wales figures showed that more than 70 percent of the population of Torfaen was "inactive" and did not take enough exercise - more than any other authority in Wales.

"This will be a key facility, especially with more and more emphasis being placed on health and well-being," said Mr Page, adding: "Pupils will be able to analyse and study the benefits of taking exercise through the use of a variety of equipment, including running machines, rowing machines and exercise bikes."

The facility will also be open to sports groups and accredited community clubs.

The school's head Helene Mansfield said the development was "ground-breaking."

"As well as being a first-class sports facility, it will enable pupils to be aware of the need for exercise, as well as allowing them to monitor and improve their performance on the sports field," she said.

Mrs Mansfield said the sports laboratory, which will be used by pupils of all ages, would benefit older students looking to take PE and sports qualifications.

"Along with our existing sports facilities this will be open to the clubs and groups in the community," she said.

Work began on the project just before Christmas.