GOALS awards

11 April 2008

Thirty families from across Liverpool were commended by one of the city's sports stars for adopting healthier lifestyles. Carl Evans, Tae Kwon Do Olympic Junior Gold Medallist and LJMU Scholar, attended the GOALS annual awards ceremony, congratulating families for taking part in the University-run programme.

GOALS - Getting Our Active Lifestyles Started - is a city-wide campaign to encourage Liverpool's overweight children and young people to lead healthier lifestyles. Unlike traditional weight-loss programmes, mums, dads and siblings are also involved, not just the overweight children.

Every family received a certificate, proving they had completed the 18-week programme where they tried new foods, took part in cooking sessions and played active games.

Five of the families were also presented with Outstanding Achievement Awards for their enthusiastic commitment to GOALS. These families were treated to a free meal at Cafe Sports England, as donated by LFC footballer, Jamie Carragher.

Speaking at the event, held at Broadgreen High School, Gideon Ben-Tovim, Chair of Liverpool Primary Care Trust, emphasised the importance of GOALS and the PCT in promoting health in the city.

Highlights of the evening included a disco and dance performances by GOALS staff and local children's charity Team Oasis.

Paula Watson, GOALS project manager, said: "The success of the awards ceremony demonstrates the contribution that LJMU's applied research makes to the local community.

"The event was an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful achievements of these families and to recognise the big difference small lifestyle changes can make. It wasn't only a celebration of them completing the GOALS programme, more importantly it was the start of their new, healthier lifestyles."

GOALS is run by LJMU in partnership with Liverpool City Council (SportsLinx) and Alder Hey Hospital. It is part of Liverpool PCT's Taste for Health Strategy and receives funding from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.

Pictures:

• Top - LJMU sports scholar Carl Evans presented certificates to children who completed the GOALS programme
• Bottom - Gideon Ben-Tovim, Chair of Liverpool Primary Care Trust, GOALS Outstanding Achievement Awards winners Paula and Georgia Basnett, and GOALS project manager, Paula Watson.