A HEALTH trust in Kirklees has become the first to link up with the 2012 Olympics.

NHS Kirklees has gained official recognition for using the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to inspire staff to get active.

And they’re hoping to encourage staff and their families to get active ahead of London 2012.

Seb Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, said: “The Inspire programme is ensuring the legacy of the 2012 Games starts now as projects like NHS Challenge – Kirklees are enabling people who work for the local NHS to make positive life changes.”

As part of the initiative, staff at the health trust and local authority will take up activities which will improve their health and fitness in the run up to the Olympic Games in 2012 and beyond.

Dr Judith Hooper, Director of Public Health for NHS Kirklees and Kirklees Council, said: “Physical activity and sport are great for relief of stress, working together effectively and helping us all feel well, so NHS Kirklees and Kirklees Council want to support its staff to be healthy and be even more effective by participating in the NHS Challenge – Kirklees programme”.