Croydon’s Healthy Walking Project nominated for award

Pic: Peter Trimming

Pic: Peter Trimming

Croydon’s ‘healthy walking project’ has been shortlisted for a Team London award, the Greater London Authority has announced.

The project is accredited by campaigning organisation Walking for Health and aims to get people outside to get fit and enjoy Croydon’s open and green spaces as well as promoting more environmentally conscious modes of transportation.

The walks have been nominated for the award’s ‘Sports and Healthy Living’ category that Team London feel “encourages and supports activity and healthier lifestyles in all sections of the community.”

Croydon Council say that the scheme also encourages people to socialise and make new friends.

Hundreds of residents of all abilities have taken part in the walks along each of Croydon’s designated routes since the program was launched in 2000.

40 volunteers lead walking sessions on a day-to-day basis, guiding participants through the borough’s routes.

The Team London awards aim to highlight the outstanding contribution of London’s volunteers who give their time to make the city a better place for everyone.

“Walking is probably the most overlooked form of exercise,” Councillor Timothy Godfrey, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport, said.

“Those of us who are able to walk do so every day. However, we’re all guilty of sometimes not stretching our legs as often as we should, so this programme of organised walks is a fantastic way of reminding us of the value of regular exercise.”

“I’m hugely grateful to the volunteers who run the project, and regardless of whether they take the top prize I know they deserve a huge vote of thanks.”

The winner of the Team London award will be announced at a ceremony on October 31.

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