London increases investment in outdoor play activities
29/01/2010 Children in London will soon be able to appreciate the benefits of outdoor play activities as part of the city's battle to cut childhood obesity.
The news comes after a report by researchers at the London Metropolitan University and City University of New York discovered that both cities are suffering from rising levels of childhood obesity.
In light of the research the Mayor of London Boris Johnson has committed to a range of initiatives to help raise the fitness levels of children in the capital.
Mr Johnson said: "I'm also investing millions in the sports and parks that every child in our city should have access to. Cycling, swimming, football and running round parks are great physical exercise and most importantly, immense fun."
Findings from the A Tale of Two Obese Cities report showed that 36 per cent of London's 11 year olds are obese and levels are higher among those from low income backgrounds.
Recently one of the top national park officials in the US, Fran Mainella, said that a lack of outdoor play facilities was contributing to a rise in physical and mental health problems.
The news comes after a report by researchers at the London Metropolitan University and City University of New York discovered that both cities are suffering from rising levels of childhood obesity.
In light of the research the Mayor of London Boris Johnson has committed to a range of initiatives to help raise the fitness levels of children in the capital.
Mr Johnson said: "I'm also investing millions in the sports and parks that every child in our city should have access to. Cycling, swimming, football and running round parks are great physical exercise and most importantly, immense fun."
Findings from the A Tale of Two Obese Cities report showed that 36 per cent of London's 11 year olds are obese and levels are higher among those from low income backgrounds.
Recently one of the top national park officials in the US, Fran Mainella, said that a lack of outdoor play facilities was contributing to a rise in physical and mental health problems.
