'Campaign could be catalyst to change people's lives'

THE loveLIFE campaign is seen as an opportunity waiting to be seized by South Devon's many and varied sports and leisure clubs.

Roger Mann (pictured), chairman of Torbay Sports Council, who was involved in the setting up of the campaign, has welcomed the launch of loveLIFE as a chance to raise the profile of the sporting facilities available locally.

"I think it's super, terrific," he said. "The Olympic year is in the background which will set the scene for everybody to look at their own personal fitness a bit. I think loveLIFE might be just the catalyst to make people do what their conscience has been telling them for some years. With the two things coming together hopefully people will think this is the right time to do something.

"You only have to make a small change, it's about making an improvement to whatever your level of fitness.

"There's a measured mile in Paignton and perhaps initially someone might set themselves of walking 220 yards or whatever. Once they have done that for a week or two, they may feel better and they set themselves the target of doubling that, and so it goes on.

"Feeling better is the catalyst for doing more.

"Also, South Devon is a lovely place to walk and exercise. If you live in a city centre it's not quite the same. You can go down to the seafront and walk on the level admiring the view, it's lovely. The Sports Council is very much behind the campaign. We are keen for more people to improve their fitness a little and eventually this will give us the opportunity of getting more members for our sports clubs.

"We are not expecting a big percentage increase, but hopefully about five per cent will want to do more than the basic and will join a club."

If you would like details of the clubs available in the area for your sport email Roger at roger mann48bart&@aol.com