The new approach will deliver opportunities for everybody to engage in physical activity, whether that be during work or leisure time. Lunchtime fitness classes, the installation of bike racks or showers in workplaces, training to become a walk leader, walking or cycling projects in both rural and urban areas are all now eligible for funding.

Although we are seeking innovative and imaginative projects, the simplest ideas often deliver the biggest impact. Each award can be up to the maximum of £1,000 and organisations can now apply for up to two per year. The only stipulation is that one of these awards must be for a physical activity not normally offered by the applicant – for example, the provision of bike racks for a cycling group that could potentially use the club as a base.

EXAMPLES OF HOW THE MONEY HAS BEEN SPENT

SOUTH EAST WALES

POWYS - ST. JOHN’S AMBULANCE

The UK’s leading first aid, care and transport charity now has more than the wellbeing of its public in its sights as it adds bicycles to its fleet of ambulances in its effort to deliver rapid and effective emergency care for the people of Powys.

The St Johns’ Cymru Wales service in the Mid Wales region is taking full advantage of the Sports Council for Wales’ £750 lottery grant for their Cycle Responder Project – a scheme that fully utilises the advantages of bikes in delivering an effective emergency service for the region.

Together with the £1000 contribution from the organisation itself, St John’s Ambulance are set to purchase a host of mountain bikes and panniers which will be deployed to support a host of events across Mid Wales ranging from fun runs, marathons, community events and street parades.