PLAY YOUR PART IN MAKING SPORT MATTER

You can make a new year’s resolution for 2011 to do something rewarding in your community by helping give something back to sport.

The council’s Sport Matters Volunteering programme aims to increase volunteering opportunities for those aged 16 -25 years old. You can find out more at a volunteer training day on Saturday 15 January at the Ursuline Sports College, which you must book in advance if you want to attend.

The Co-operative StreetGames Young Volunteers scheme is being run in partnership with national charity StreetGames. Anyone taking part can get a Sports Leaders UK or equivalent Level 1 Qualification and can take part in a certificate scheme to recognise volunteer hours. You also get the opportunity to attend national events.

Anyone aged 25 or over can become a community volunteer, helping out in local sports clubs, with weekly sports activities or at one-off events.

Cllr. Martin Wise, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: “With the 2012 Olympic Games coming up next year, we want to try and encourage as many people as possible to help give something back to sport in Thanet. Volunteering is a great way to boost your confidence, self-esteem and skills. Most of all, it’s fun, gives you the opportunity to meet new people and can make a real difference in your community. ”

To book on the volunteer training day, find out more information about Sport Matters Volunteering or to request an information pack please contact Colin Rouse on 01843 577032 or email colin.rouse@thanet.gov.uk You can also find more details and an application form on the council’s website at www.thanet.gov.uk/sport