In the summer of 2006 Beach Fit presented a new and unique children’s sporting activity on Weymouth beach believed to be a world first and is now set to return for its 2nd season. This initiative delivers expertly coached athletics in a fun and entertaining manner.

Last year it was a big hit with its target audience of 5 to 14 year old children with over 1200 kids participating. Its organisers are hoping to raise that figure to 1500 this year.

From a site opposite Alexandra Gardens 6 daily sessions of Beach Athletics are available all through the school holidays for locals and visitors.

With a strong emphasis on fun as well as fitness and skill the 45 minute sessions run at 11, 12am, 1, 2, 3 and 4pm from 4 August to 1 September

Activities, based on Sports Hall style athletics, included sprints, hurdles, javelin, shot putt, discus, triple and long jump There were also be speed, agility and quickness games in the form of an obstacle relay.

Every Beach Fit participating child is given a Personal Best card to keep a record of their development and improvement. More than 90% of children come back for more than one session to improve their PBs and increase the number of disciplines attempted. Prizes are awarded each day to the Athlete Of The Day.

With a coaching ratio of 1 to 6 and a maximum of 18 children per session Beach Fit delivers the intensity of coaching normally only seen in elite athletic squads.
Many children receive their first ever professional athletics coaching and surprise themselves and their parents by the talent uncovered by learning a few basic but fundamental aspects of technique in the different disciplines. Lat year Beach Fit believe some potential stars were discovered and they were encouraged to further their potential by joining an sports club.

In July over 750 local year 4 school children were visited in their schools by the Beach Fit coaches and given a free taster sessions. The talented athletes discovered at these sessions came together on the beach in an inter-schools competition, The Beach Fit Challenge, and were filmed by BBC television. As a further incentive to get children active during the summer holidays Beach Fit have distributed 1000 free-go vouchers to Weymouth and Portland schools. See www.beachfitchallenge.co.uk

Beach Fit is the creation of chief coach Layla Hawkins a former English Schools South Of England and AAA South East Of England junior heptathlon champion. Layla says “, “I was lucky enough to be trained by Olympic coaches and I will be passing on my skills and knowledge to youngsters It is not just for those who know they are good at sport, many novices find they have hidden talent and are inspired to go home and join teams and clubs”

Beach Fit is supported by Norwich Union star:track The Big Boost, Weymouth & Portland Borough Council , Active Dorset, West Dorset School Sport Partnership and Weymouth St. Paul’s Harriers

Beach Fit can be booked for private party sessions
07836 266328  or  beachfit@tiscali.co.uk