An innovative physical activity game that has engaged more than a million people is set to launch in Trafford.
The Beat the Street game will take place in Trafford from 28 February to 27 March thanks to funding from Trafford Council, TfGM and a National Lottery grant from Sport England.
Beat the Street encourages people to get outside and to get active and is open to anyone of any age who would like to take part. The game works by turning the borough into a real-life game and residents will soon start to see special sensors called Beat Boxes appearing on lampposts around Stretford and Old Trafford.
Prior to the game, primary school pupils from participating schools will be provided with cards while parents and teachers will also receive a card from the school so they can accompany children.
The wider community can pick up a free contactless card from a distribution point listed on the Beat the Street website. Alternatively, players aged 13+ can choose to participate via a mobile app, which can be downloaded via Google Play or iOS App Store.
Players join a school or community team to join or you can set up your own team. Players then walk, cycle or wheel between the Beat Boxes which are spaced half a mile apart – hovering the cards as they go. The further players travel, the more points they score.
Trafford Council Leader, Cllr Tom Ross, said:
“We are incredibly excited to be bringing Beat the Street to Trafford. We know that one of the best things people can do for their physical and mental health is to move more and to get out into green space where possible, and Beat the Street really helps people do just that in a fun and engaging way.
“It’s free to take part in Beat the Street and it’s open to everyone regardless of age, ability or background. It’s an inclusive game that encourages you to exercise from your front door and to clock up the miles within the game framework.”
Beat the Street was created by GP Dr William Bird MBE, an expert in physical activity and the founder of Intelligent Health. Beat the Street has not only had a significant impact on increasing levels of physical activity amongst adults and children, but also helps reduce congestion, improve air quality, and helps families spend time in green spaces together.
According to research, one in four people in England does less than 30 minutes of physical activity a week, which classes them as inactive. Four out of five primary school children do not get the recommended amount of daily exercise of 60 minutes a day.
Posted on Wednesday 21st February 2024