Month of movement to celebrate National Fitness Day
A COUNCIL is promoting a month of movement to mark National Fitness Day.
The national event, organised by ukactive, will take place on Wednesday 24 September, with the
theme ‘Powered by you!’ The aim of the day is to empower individuals to make positive lifestyle
changes for improved physical, mental and social health. To make sure residents get the chance to
power up, and to encourage movement, Durham County Council is offering a whole month of free
activities at its thrive leisure centres, and other community settings, which promise something for
everyone.
Throughout September, people will be able to get a free seven-day pass that can be used in gyms,
swimming pools and exercise classes across the county. Free virtual classes will be available at four
centres throughout the period. The passes are also valid for the council’s introductory level
activities, including Move Hubs and Move classes, if residents want to make a start in becoming
more active.
Meanwhile, for people looking for more fun ways to get moving, the local authority is offering the
chance to bowl for free at Peterlee Leisure Centre’s Strike ten-pin bowling. Free indoor court hire
will also be available for sport activities every weekend throughout the month across the county.
Elsewhere, there will be free soft play all week from Monday 22 September to Sunday 28
September. Free sessions will also be held at Abbey Adventure at Abbey Leisure Centre in Durham
on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September. Plus, TAG Active Arena and Climb activities at the Louisa
Centre in Stanley, will also be available over the same days.
Nine pools will be open across the county for those who want to swim for free on Saturday 27 and
Sunday 28 September. These sessions will be perfect for people looking to start swimming again, or
just simply splash about with the family.
Many activities must be booked online. Details of the free sessions are available at
www.thriveleisure.co.uk .
This comes after the local authority was recognised as a finalist in four categories at the
prestigious UK Active Awards 2025, which honour outstanding contributions to the country’s
physical activity sector. The awards this year attracted a record number of entries, making the
authority’s achievement especially noteworthy.
The council facilities shortlisted in the finals:
Regional Public Club or Centre of the Year North of England: The Louisa Centre, Stanley.
Build, Design or Refurbishment of the Year: Spennymoor Leisure Centre and Peterlee Leisure
Centre.
Digital Transformation Award: The council’s Customer Relationship Management project.
Outstanding Leadership Team Award: The Wellbeing Sport and Leisure Management Team.
The winners will be revealed at the UK Active Awards ceremony on Thursday 30 October, at the
ICC in Birmingham.
Cllr Howard Brown, Durham County Council Cabinet member for adult and health services, said:
“Keeping fit and staying moving is one of the healthiest lifestyle changes you can make, and there’s
no better time to take advantage of our fantastic leisure facilities than National Fitness Day.
“That’s why we’ll be offering a month of free activities to mark the event, which anyone can find
value in. Whether it’s simply going to the gym or having a fun day out at Strike ten pin bowling at
Peterlee Leisure Centre, we’re encouraging everyone to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity.
“Meanwhile, being shortlisted across so many categories in the UK Active Awards 2025 is a
powerful validation of our mission to improve the health and wellbeing of local communities. Our
teams go above and beyond to deliver life-changing programmes and ensure everyone has the
chance to lead a more active, healthier life.”
