Gordon Rodger, the 5x60 Officer for Ysgol Argoed and Ysgol Elfed, has been named Officer of the Month for his efforts to get young people fit and active.

Awarded the prestigious title for March, Rodger is just one of the motivators recruited by the Welsh Assembly Government’s 5x60 scheme which is managed by the Sports Council for Wales and supported locally by Flintshire County Council. It is designed to get more secondary school pupils taking part in 60 minutes of physical activity five times a week.

The 22-year-old from Hawarden, who has a degree in Sports Studies and Sports Development from Lancaster University, has been in post since September 2008 and has clearly made a big impact in a short space of time.

He has successfully increased the participation levels amongst boys and girls at both schools through the provision of a variety of activities, with dodgeball, street dance and badminton proving most popular. Among his successes has been the development of a young leader programme, encouraging older pupils to help with coaching and involving feeder primaries in a number of projects, such as cricket and tennis.

5x60’s underlying goal is to encourage those who do not take part in sport to get active. When pupils are reluctant to take part, 5x60 Officers are on hand to listen to concerns and help overcome any hurdles.

Rodger explains, "My 5x60 achievements so far are the sheer number of activities running in both schools and more kids taking part in physical activity.

"I’ve raised awareness of the scheme and of non-traditional activities, and have seen increased participation in physical activity within and away from the school environment.

"The thing I enjoy most about being a 5x60 Officer is running new activities for the kids and seeing all of them turn up! It’s really rewarding to be able to meet the needs of young people in the schools."

Argoed High School Head of PE, Mr Smith said, "The range of activities that 5x60 offers is brilliant; the kids are really enjoying it and are getting the opportunity to take part in new activities. It’s marvellous that 5x60 offers a mix of traditional and non-traditional activities."

Argoed Year 9 pupil, Matthew Davies said, "Mr Rodger has put on loads of activities, and has made them loads of fun."

Elfed High School Head of PE, Mrs Woolgar said, "Gordon joined the PE staff and has been working hard to offer new activities and already has a good relationship with the whole school and everyone is on-board with 5x60."

Elfed Sixth form volunteer, Alicia Evans said, ''Mr Rodger is a great 5x60 officer, who is very enthusiastic. I have been helping with the sports clubs at Elfed since September and have found it very rewarding. Mr Rodger has been really helpful!''

Latest figures reveal that increasing numbers of youngsters across Wales are pulling on their trainers to get involved in 5 x 60. The programme has been championed by Olympic silver medallist David Davies, Stuart Cable and Hip Neu Sgip presenter Alex Jones.

Pupils are invited to visit www.5x60.org.uk and to nominate their officer.