The programme is open to absolutely everyone, from all ages and backgrounds, including all schools, community groups and businesses. It is completely free to take part and it is being delivered by Intelligent Health with support from Waterford Sports Partnership and is funded by Sport Ireland, Healthy Ireland, Dormant Accounts and Waterford City & County Council.
Designed to get communities moving
More than 303,000 people took part in Beat the Street in 2016 in 23 different areas across the UK and the world. As well as major health benefits to the community, participating in activity such as Beat the Street each day has been shown to dramatically improve concentration levels of children in class and adults at work. Further benefits can be seen with reduced traffic congestion around the town.
How does it work?
‘Beat Boxes’ will be positioned throughout Waterford city, Waterford Greenway, Kilmacthomas and Dungarvan. Players pick up a card and a map at their local distribution point (e.g. library) which they tap on the Beat Boxes as they walk, cycle, or scoot around town, earning points for themselves and their team. The more boxes you tap, the more points you earn. The following short video shows how Beat the Street is played: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJbOghMQ5ZM
Registered players can view their progress online throughout the seven week game. Here, they can also see how their team is doing on the leader boards. The top community team will win hundreds of euros worth of prizes and there will also be “lucky tap” prizes too.
“Rosarie Kealy, Sports Coordinator at Waterford Sports Partnership said: “We are incredibly excited to be bringing Beat the Street to Waterford city, Kilmacthomas and Dungarvan and are really looking forward to seeing how everyone rises to the challenge of walking, cycling, running or scooting during the seven week game. Anyone can get involved in Beat the Street – it’s completely free to play and is a great opportunity to go outdoors, spend time with your friends and family and get moving. Watch out for Beat Boxes appearing on a street near you!"
Community Cohesion
Beat the Street inspires people to explore their local area and in previous projects, has helped communities bond and get healthy. All of this is provided free to participants with the aim of encouraging the whole community to take part in a fun active challenge.
What’s Next?
Pick up a card and map from your local distribution point, get registered and start tapping beat boxes! If you would like to take part in Beat the Street as a team, simply email team.waterford@beatthestreet.me with the following information and you're ready to go!
• Team Name
• Team Leader
• Email Address
• Contact Number
• No. of Team Members (minimum 15 members)
Beat the Street Updates
During the 7 weeks we will be signposting to local events or projects to encourage walking, running and cycling in the game and local participation/social cohesion. Updates will be available on:
Website: http://beatthestreet.me/waterford
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Beat-the-Street-Waterford
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BTSWaterford
Contact
For more information, please contact eimear.cusack@intelligenthealth.co.uk who can answer any queries you may have.
We hope you will take part and support this fantastic, free and fun initiative!