WITH Covid restrictions across Wales moved to alert level one over the weekend and a summer of sport ahead of us, people across North Wales are being encouraged to fully re-engage with the sports and activities that they enjoyed before the pandemic.

Sport Wales’ research suggests that more than half of adults in Wales miss the types of activity they were able to do before the pandemic began.

So, with the move to alert level one meaning that most restrictions surrounding sport and activities are now lifted, Sport Wales hopes that people will make the most of this and resume previous levels of activity from across the sporting spectrum.

Wales’ successful vaccine rollout is also helping with the nation’s confidence when it comes to exercise, with more than 45 percent of adults feeling more positive about taking part due to the vaccination programme.

Wales is currently ahead of the other UK nations in terms of total proportion of the population who have received a first jab.

Discussing the benefits of returning to sport, Sarah Powell, CEO of Sport Wales, said: “The buzz of Euro 2020 and Wimbledon has really kicked off a full summer calendar of sporting excellence and with the postponed 2020 Summer Olympics set to begin in Japan this week, there is so much more to come.

“With this in mind, we’re encouraging people across Wales to get back into the game in their own way, whether that’s being part of a team again, getting out and re-connecting with the local community, achieving that post-exercise feeling, or just having fun.

“Of course we fully understand that many people may still feel a degree of concern about exercising close to others, something that is backed up by our research, but there are so many ways to engage in exercise across our communities, with a diverse range of classes and activities having been specifically developed over the past year to cater to all needs and requirements as a result of the pandemic.

“Do some research about what is available locally to you so you can participate in a way that you feel comfortable. And we always have our beautiful Welsh landscapes to explore on foot or two wheels if you would prefer to get away from the crowds. It’s just about getting moving again.”

To assist with ensuring people feel supported and motivated to return to exercise, Sport Wales has launched a campaign called #BackintheGame with the aim of inspiring people to fall in love with sport and exercise again this summer.

Volunteers who run the Conwy Freewheelers Adapted Cycling Club, a disability cycling club based in North Wales, are among the selfless heroes helping to get people back in the game with the sports they love.

To find out more about how you can get back in the game, visit https://www.sport.wales/back-in-the-game/ or use the hashtag #BackintheGame on social media.