LIKE many individuals in Newport West, I am passionate about culture and sport.

The whole of the UK has been enjoying a spectacular summer of sporting action and embracing culture, in the lead-up to the Olympic Games 2012.

Newport is host to a fantastic set of facilities, with many activities on offer at the International Sports Village and the Newport Centre.

If you are under 16 or over 60, you can swim for free in your local areas, as part of the Welsh Government’s free swim initiative.

If you prefer to stay on dry land, why not visit one of Wales’ fantastic museums free of charge, as part of the Welsh Government’s free entry scheme. Choose from St Fagan’s, Cardiff’s National Museum or Caerleon’s National Roman Legion Museum, and many more.

Those with free bus passes have the opportunity to travel the breadth of Wales and explore further afield this summer.

Why not get on your bikes and try out Newport’s new cycle route?

Thanks to the to the Welsh Government’s Safety in Communities initiative and £1.8million in funding, cyclists can now travel between Caerleon and Newport city centre safely.

Residents of Newport West have embraced the Olympic Spirit, with a number of events held to mark the 2012 Games.

I had great fun presenting medals to participants at the Duffryn Olympic Fun Day, and it was fantastic to see members of the local community coming together through sport.

There are several groups which exist to provide invaluable support and to help individuals in Newport enjoy and excel in sport, including Sport Wales (funded by the Welsh Government), which recently provided £15,000 for Tredegar Park’s new skate park.

Children and young people in my constituency now have a fun place to practise their skills and meet new people.

Even if you can’t make it to the Games, I encourage you to get active and explore your local community.

Perhaps take a walk into the city centre or to Bellevue Park, and relish the opportunity to rediscover Newport and support local businesses along the way.

Exercise can be fun for all ages, and Newport is the perfect place to get out and get active.