George Owen, who works at Prestatyn High School and St Brigid’s High School in Denbigh, has been recognised by the Sports Council for Wales for his efforts to get young people fit and active.

Named 5x60 Officer of the Month for February, George is just one of the motivators recruited by the Sports Council for Wales’ 5x60 scheme, which is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government.

Supported locally by Denbighshire County Council, it is designed to get more secondary school pupils taking part in 60 minutes of physical activity five times a week.

The 24-year-old from Dyserth, who has a degree in Sports Science and a PGCE in Secondary School Physical Education, has persuaded scores of pupils to get off the sidelines into the 5x60 activity sessions.

Only in post since September 2009, he has already introduced a timetable of 14 activities at Prestatyn High School, including dodgeball, horse riding and trampolining, and up to ten activities at St Brigids, with football, fencing and aerobics proving most popular.

He explains: "5x60 has had a positive impact in both schools providing some fantastic opportunities for pupils to take part in a wide range of activities. It has also helped the schools to forge links with local clubs and facilities as well as given older pupils the opportunity to coach.

"I enjoy providing a variety of activities which appeal to a range of pupils of all age, gender and ability. I find it particularly rewarding to see pupils who do not normally take part finding something that they enjoy," he added.

Ceri Evans, Head of PE at Prestatyn High School said:

"The 5x60 initiative has made a large and very positive contribution to our already popular extra-curricular programme. In a school of 1800 pupils, and with very limited facilities, 5x60 has enhanced our provision for pupils.

"As well as continuing to offer the PE department’s traditional range of sports, 5x60 has been able to broaden the nature of the activities and provide specific coaching in a wide variety of activities."

Callum Perrin, Year 8, said:

"I think that 5x60 is a good idea for young people to get active. I like table tennis because it is an activity to do in my lunch time which stops me being bored. I enjoy horse riding because I have wanted to do it for a long time but could never afford it. Taking part through 5x60 has made it more affordable."

Delighted with the success of the programme, Chair of the Sports Council for Wales, Professor Laura McAllister, said:

"We at the Sports Council are committed to our goal of ensuring every child is hooked on sport for life. The wide variety of exciting activities available to our young people through the 5x60 scheme, delivered by our greatest assets - dedicated people like George – go a long way towards helping us realise that ambition."

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