On 31 March, over 70 people came together at The Point to celebrate the impacts of the One Commitment project which encouraged New Deal for Communities (NDC) residents to apply for the free One Commitment card which let them take part in a free programme of activities including swimming lessons, gym membership, ice skating and golf.
Andy Maddox, Doncaster Council’s Strategic Development Officer for Active Doncaster, who delivered the project shared headlines from the scheme. He said: "In the three months to 31 March, over 2,226 One Commitment cards were issued and over 7,000 overall attendances to date."
The crowd at the celebration were then treated to performances from darts' Quirky Choir and Movers and Shakers dance group who brought to life some of the music used through the project and got people on their feet to move and shake!
The audience were then served food and drink whilst catching the first view of the One Commitment film that had been made during the project by artist Jim Lockey.
The event gave One Commitment Card holders the chance to give their feedback on the scheme,
"We want to express our thanks and just to say what we accomplished as a family. Two of our children attended ice skating lessons and can now skate… we have been swimming as a family of five… I have had many visits to the gym at the Dome – I worked out on weights, machines and bike riding. All of these things without the card we could not afford to do - so although we are sad that they are coming to an end, it was a great experience for all of our family... A big thank you for giving us three months of pleasure and exercise."
"I have had a good time and feel better."
"I gained the confidence to take my seven year old swimming for the first time."
Doncaster Active Partnership members Doncaster Dome, Doncaster Rovers, The Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster Knights, Doncaster Chamber, Positive Futures (Sports), Doncaster Council (Armthorpe Sports Centre, Hatfield Water Park, Crookhill Golf, St James Leisure Centre, Dearne Valley Leisure Centre) and darts (Doncaster Community Arts) were all involved in delivering the One Commitment initiative.
The scheme encouraged New Deal for Communities (NDC) residents to apply for the free One Commitment card, entitling them to take part in a free programme of activities including swimming lessons, gym membership, ice skating, golf and watersports at a range of facilities as well as community based sessions in the heart of the NDC communities such as dance, street sports and fitness.
The NDC area of Doncaster is around the town centre, Balby Bridge, parts of Hyde Park, Hexthorpe, Nether Hall and Woodfield.