Following the success of Team GB’s sports stars, workers in Merseyside are being encouraged to be more active by trying new sports and activities as part of ‘Shake up September’.

Shake up September challenges people to try at least five Olympic/Paralympic sports during the month of September - this could include sports such as tennis, cycling and swimming as well as less common ones such as wheelchair basketball, canoeing and trampolining.

Workers up and down the country will be taking part, with prizes on offer for those who tick sports off their bingo card and log them on the Workplace Challenge. Each time someone logs a sport on the Workplace Challenge they will receive a prize draw entry to win a £50 sports equipment gift voucher.

The challenge is being run through local workplaces to encourage workers to be more active, as research shows that 48% of adults living in Merseyside do not meet minimum physical activity guidelines. Many workers spend hours on end sitting at their desk, which research shows has a detrimental effect on their health and wellbeing.

With so many sports on offer, there’s something for everyone - no matter what your age, ability of level of fitness. Danny Woodworth, Physical Activity and Sport Officer at Merseyside Sports Partnership, said, “Shake-up September encourages people to kick off their comfy shoes and try a new activity. Trying something new can be fun and you’ll have the chance to learn new skills and meet new people.”

To help people with the challenge, Merseyside Sports Partnership have produced a programme of activities taking place across the region for you try.

You can download your official Shake-up September bingo card by registering for free via www.workplacechallenge.org.uk. Merseyside businesses interested in promoting the campaign to their workforce can contact Danny Woodworth on d.woodworth@merseysidesport.com for further support.

Get involved on twitter using the hashtag #ShakeUp2016 and share your pictures of taking part in sporting activities to appear in our Hall of Fame.