Gateshead set to be transformed into a giant game
An innovative physical activity game that has engaged more than a million people is set to launch in Gateshead.
Partly funded by Sport England, the Beat the Street game will take place in Saltwell and Bridges from 18 May to 15 June.
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 area into a real-life game and residents will soon start to see special sensors called Beat Boxes appearing on lampposts around the area.
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 free contactless cards from distribution points at Gateshead Central Library, Gateshead Leisure Centre and Sage Gateshead.
Players join a school or community team or you can set up your own with a minimum of 6 players. Players then walk, cycle or roll between the 21 Beat Boxes which are spaced half a mile apart - hovering the cards as they go. The further players travel, the more points they score.
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 low levels of physical activity amongst adults and children, but also helps reduce congestion, improves air quality, and helps families spend time in green spaces together. It has been adapted to ensure that it's safe to play during the COVID-19 pandemic with contactless cards.
Councillor Bernadette Oliphant, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: "We are incredibly excited to be bringing Beat the Street to Gateshead with a pilot in Saltwell and Bridges before expanding the game across the borough. We know that one of the best things people can do right now 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 safe 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 have fun while doing it."
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.
For more information and updates on the game, visit www.beatthestreet.me/gateshead (opens new window) or follow One You Gateshead on social media.
An innovative physical activity game that has engaged more than a million people is set to launch in Gateshead.
Partly funded by Sport England, the Beat the Street game will take place in Saltwell and Bridges from 18 May to 15 June.
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 area into a real-life game and residents will soon start to see special sensors called Beat Boxes appearing on lampposts around the area.
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 free contactless cards from distribution points at Gateshead Central Library, Gateshead Leisure Centre and Sage Gateshead.
Players join a school or community team or you can set up your own with a minimum of 6 players. Players then walk, cycle or roll between the 21 Beat Boxes which are spaced half a mile apart - hovering the cards as they go. The further players travel, the more points they score.
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 low levels of physical activity amongst adults and children, but also helps reduce congestion, improves air quality, and helps families spend time in green spaces together. It has been adapted to ensure that it's safe to play during the COVID-19 pandemic with contactless cards.
Councillor Bernadette Oliphant, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: "We are incredibly excited to be bringing Beat the Street to Gateshead with a pilot in Saltwell and Bridges before expanding the game across the borough. We know that one of the best things people can do right now 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 safe 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 have fun while doing it."
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.
For more information and updates on the game, visit www.beatthestreet.me/gateshead (opens new window) or follow One You Gateshead on social media.
