Why be active?

Physical activity is essential for good health and will make a difference to your quality of life.

Just 30 minutes of physical activity of moderate intensity on 5 or more days a week can help.

Once you start being active, the benefits will become obvious. You'll experience:

better health
more energy
reduced stress
stronger bones and muscles
better balance, strength, suppleness and mobility
more independence in later life
improved sleep
better maintenance of a healthy weight
more social opportunities
a sense of achievement
increased enjoyment

So what's stopping you?

Vicky Silk

Vicky Silk - Athlete

History:

Vicky trains at Ashford Athletics Club. Last year the Folkestone 16-year-old represented Great Britain at the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports World Games where she took the bronze medal for javelin. Her world ranking last year was javelin no. 3, shot no.13 and discus no.9.

Her exceptional performance on the field is matched by her popularity off it: Vicky became a Sportsperson of the Year at the BBC South East 2007 Sports Awards.

Vicky recently won three golds and a silver in the World Dwarf Games in Belfast. Outstanding performances in javelin and discus and was a sub in the GB football team. A silver was in the shot put.

Vicky made it onto the UKA Development Team on the Wolrd Class Performance Programme and she wants to be selected for the World Champs in 2011 at Christchurch NZ..

Vicky is currently studying her A Levels - 2nd year at present aiming to go onto University Wales Institute Cardiff studying Sport Science.

1) What is your greatest achievement?

My greatest achievement in sport was being selected to represent GB for the World Championships in Taipei, last September and setting a new European record for my javelin throw.

2) What are your short and long term aims?

My short term aims - to keep training hard and improve distances in a range of competitions.

My long term aims - hopefully to get selected to represent GB for a future paralympics.

3) What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time i enjoy socialising with friends and spending time with my family.

4) What would you say to encourage more young women and disabled people into sport?

Focus on what you want to achieve in sport and keep training hard towards your goal.

To return to the Active Ashford Ambassador page click here.

Ashford Borough Council, Civic Centre, Tannery Lane, Ashford TN23 1PL
Telephone: 01233 330232 Email: activeashford@ashford.gov.uk