MAX Whitlock MBE, Double Olympic and World Champion gymnast is inspiring every school in Essex to take part in 30 minutes of physical activity every day for 30 days in June.

The 30:30 Essex challenge is led by the Active Essex Foundation – a charity that provides life-changing support to Essex communities through sport and physical activity.

Currently, over two-thirds (63%) of children and young people in Essex carry out less than 30 minutes of physical activity each day* and one third of children (32%) finish primary school either overweight or obese**.

To inspire younger people to take part in at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day, Max has created a list of 30 activities children can complete to achieve their 30:30’s in and out of the classroom, including walking 30 laps of the playground and balancing on one leg for 30 seconds!

Max Whitlock MBE

Max said: “I was lucky to find out my love for gymnastics at a young age and sport has opened so many doors for me. I’ve made many close friends along the way and that’s why I’m so passionate about encouraging young people and children to take part in sport and physical activity – there really is something for everyone to enjoy.

“Not only will taking part in the 30:30 Essex challenge help to improve overall health and fitness, it will also give children the opportunity to try different sports and activities which they may never have tried before and who knows, may continue with for the rest of their lives!”

Schools that sign up for the challenge will receive a free 30:30 Essex relay baton and branded T-shirts for teachers.

Anthony Seaman, PE and Sport Lead Grove Wood Primary School in Rayleigh, is one of 30 champions of this year’s campaign. He will inspire 30:30 Essex participants with his stories and ideas for getting active this June.

Anthony Seaman, PE and Sport Lead Grove Wood Primary School in Rayleigh

Anthony said: “I’m very excited to be taking part in this year’s 30:30 Essex challenge. Physical activity is so important to young people and offers so much more than just the physical benefits.”

“We will be fully embracing the challenge at Grove Wood Primary school, running activities and sports clubs to encourage our pupils to take part in and out of the classroom! Our ‘Healthy Selfie’ initiative also inspires our pupils to take a photo of them being active with family members at home and posting it on our presentation board!”

“Quality physical activity, physical education and sport allows us to develop social skills, personal skills and cognitive processes, and for me as an educator, these are the greatest benefits.”

In addition to schools, families are also encouraged to take part in the campaign and add more physical activity to their daily routine.

Families who want to set a bigger challenge can also sign up to the first 30:30 Essex Obstacle Race in Thorndon Country Park, near Brentwood on 29th June. All funds raised from the race will go to the Active Essex Foundation charity and will help support sport and physical activity projects in Essex.

Click here to download the 3030 Activity Ideas poster for your school: 30 activity ideas for schools

If you would like to sign your school up for this year’s 30:30 Essex challenge, visit https://www.3030essex.com/schools-nurseries/

If you have already signed up to the challenge, you can get involved on social media by using the 30:30 Essex Facebook photo filter or by sharing your daily achievements through the one second every day video recording app – www.1se.co.