Olympic stars inspire huge surge in sport
Olympic heroes Jess Ennis, Beth Tweddle and Bradley Wiggins helped trigger a nationwide increase in sports participation over the summer, leisure centre bosses said today.
Figures released by the Local Government Association show a third of venues have seen an increase in use of the swimming pool, while a quarter of gyms have also reported increased numbers.
In some cases, authorities have had to draft in extra lifeguards, coaches and staff, extending leisure centre opening hours to manage a surge in demand from Olympics-enthused residents, with summer courses for youngsters being booked out.