Carrying the Olympic torch for London 2012
Issue Date: Friday 21st July 2006
The Trust helped to carry the Olympic torch when the London 2012 Roadshow bus stopped off to take a closer look at the ground-breaking Q-Active project.
Olympic triple jumper Jonathan Edwards and Jack Lemley, chair of the Olympic Delivery Authority, saw for themselves the hospital's workforce fitness initiative as part of the Roadshow's 3,000 mile UK odyssey delivering news on progress and future plans for the biggest sporting event ever to be staged in Britain.
The delegation took a look at the Wellbeing Room - the heart of the Q-Active programme - as a focus on the volunteer and community aspect of London 2012.
Q-Active launched on the QMC Campus in April and is one of the first dedicated programmes within a UK hospital devoted to removing barriers to participation in exercise and improving the health and wellbeing of staff. Thanks to the Q-Active volunteers and feedback from staff, it has since been extended to the City Campus with new lunchtime Fitness Pilates classes for all levels in the Sherwood Rooms.
Prof Mark Batt, Q-Active Director, said: "We are delighted that the 2012 Roadshow visited Q-Active - particularly appropriate as the Trust is also a leading player in the new medical speciality of Sport and Exercise Medicine. We are proud to have been able to show the delegation how we are setting a good example by encouraging staff to improve their health and wellbeing. The Games are going to be a huge inspiration to people to take part and get active and it is a fantastic opportunity to leave a lasting legacy - a fitter, healthier nation."
During the visit, Jonathan Edwards was treated to wellness check-up and a stress-busting neck and shoulder massage before trying his hand at Nordic Walking outside by the Roadshow bus, specially branded with the slogan - "Be part of 2012". Jonathan, an Olympic gold medallist, said there was always a lack of understanding about the importance of sports and exercise medicine which can improve the lifestyle of a great many people. He said the Olympics would see the largest peacetime recruitment of volunteers and without them, Q-Active would not be what it is today."
Q-Active volunteer Michael Woodward, a maintenance assistant in Estates, gave an inspirational talk about how he got involved and became a regular Nordic walker.
There is an interactive website - www.qactive.co.uk - which enables staff to keep up with the Q-Active programme as it develops over the next two years. Meanwhile the search is on for more Q-activator volunteers to help promote the classes. To sign up visit: www.qactive.co.uk/getinvolved.php
