South Yorkshire businesses step up for Workplace Challenge

6th January 2014

Businesses across South Yorkshire are being urged to go head-to-head against their competitors as a nationwide workplace fitness initiative is launched.

Companies and organisations in South Yorkshire are being invited to take part in the 'Workplace Challenge' programme that is being rolled out in the New Year by South Yorkshire Sport. The one-of-a-kind initiative will see employees battle it out to win points for their company or organisation by taking part in sport and physical activity. The company with the highest number of points earned will clinch South Yorkshire Sport title of the sportiest workplace in South Yorkshire. The free to join online programme will run from Monday January 6 for eight weeks and is being rolled out to encourage South Yorkshire's business community to lead more active lifestyles. Jo Drapier from South Yorkshire Sport said: -South Yorkshire Sport is delighted to be one of the first County Sports Partnerships to be rolling out the Workplace Challenge initiative, across the country. -We would love to see the South Yorkshire business community take on the challenge and in turn encourage their staff to lead more active lifestyles. -They can do this through taking part in sport activities before, during or after the working day and across all sporting disciplines. Activities like walking to work are even factored into the mix. Lee Mason, Chief Executive, of the County Sports Partnership Network (CSPN) the network that is spearheading the Workplace Challenge in 28 of its 49 County Sports Partnership areas, said: -I am delighted the CSPN is launching the Workplace Challenge across the network. Many people take on their own sporting challenges in the New Year and by taking part in the Workplace Challenge they will be given the online support and tools needed to keep them motivated. -It is a great opportunity for the business community in South Yorkshire to play a leading role in encouraging employees to lead more active and healthier lifestyles. Businesses are given the opportunity to take part in a competition programme, linking with local sports clubs in the area. This will enable their employees to continue with sporting activities once the Workplace Challenge competition ends. Jo Drapier added: -Sport has always had the power to bring people together in a fun, friendly and competitive environment. And I believe if businesses embrace the Workplace Challenge in South Yorkshire they will reap the many health and wellbeing benefits associated with their staff being active. For more information log on to www.workplacechallenge.org.uk or www.sysport.co.uk