SOUTHAMPTON: THE people of Southampton are being urged to beat the bulge as the Daily Echo launches a new campaign to get more people exercising and eating healthily.

In yesterday’s Daily Echo we revealed the city’s above average obesity levels cost the city a staggering £147m a year.

An investigation into the city’s weighty problem carried out by the City Council’s health scrutiny panel also found that just over one in four adults and nearly one in ten five-year-olds are dangerously fat.

Our campaign has already won the backing of Southampton City Council which in the weeks ahead has an action packed programme of free events to get people active.

It is calling on residents to kick off their exercise regime at the Big Bike Celebration in Riverside Park, on June 13 from 10am until 5pm.

There will be plenty of weird and wonderful bikes for visitors to try out as well as guided cycle rides, bikes to hire and bike skills training for children. People will also be able to try out some of the 70 sports and activities on offer during this month’s free Sportathon on June 27.

Daily Echo: Beat the bulge with the Daily Echo

With 16 venues taking part across the city it’s the perfect chance to try out some of the 30-minute taster sessions in activities from kung fu and cheerleading to bowls and football.

And people are being urged to saddle up for a mass bicycle ride on traffic free streets throughout Southampton next month.

The city is one of ten cities nationwide chosen to host the FREE family friendly cycling Sky Ride event on July 25. To take part visit goskyride.com.

Jayne Ludden, Southampton City Council’s sports and recreation services manager, said she backed the Daily Echo’s Beat the Bulge campaign.

“We’re happy to support any initiative that gets people active,” she said.

“We’re encouraging everyone in the city who can, to take up some form of exercise – there are lots of activities in the coming months to highlight the wide range of sporting opportunities available in Southampton.

“You don’t have to be an athlete to stay active and have fun doing it – we want as many people as possible to get moving and that’s why we are encouraging families and friends, young and old, to get out this summer and get involved.”

For more information about the Sportathon day call Ross McClean, sports development officer, on 023 8083 3319. Click HERE full list of venues and activities