Firms swap business for leisure in day of sport fun

A host of health-conscious companies took a break from the office to pit their wits against each other in a dozen sporting challenges at the Active Workplace Games at Temple Park Leisure Centre, South Shields.

The event, organised by Tyne & Wear Sport, saw a dozen teams from organisations such as Gentoo, Foundation of Light, Johnson Controls, Northumbria Healthcare, Proctor and Gamble, NHS Business Service Authority, Virgin Money and Newcastle Falcons, take part in the hotly-contested competition.

Johnson Controls finished on top of the podium – making it a hat-trick of wins – with Gentoo and Proctor and Gamble completing the top three.

Caroline Green, from the NHS Business Service Authority, said: “We really enjoyed the Active Workplace Games as we were given the opportunity to try new sports, or ones which we haven’t done for a number of years, and also partake in team activities with colleagues that we wouldn’t necessarily usually work closely with on a daily basis.”

Jasmine Danby, workplace activity manager from Tyne & Wear Sport, said: “The games have been a great success and a very enjoyable event for everyone.

“It’s good to see individuals gaining so much enjoyment from something that is healthy and helps their businesses.”

The games form a key part of Tyne & Wear Sport’s Active Workplace initiative, which supports businesses to increase participation levels in sporting activities among their workforce.