Photo opportunity - 11am on Wednesday 11 August: Cllr Terry Clements, Cabinet member for Sport and Leisure, joins children on the green at Ixworth Village Hall as they take part in the last week of ‘Sporting Fun on your Doorstep’.
The Olympics are in Athens - but the mini Olympics are being enjoyed right here in St Edmundsbury's villages. The school summer holidays may have been sizzling but that hasn’t stopped hundreds of children from getting active over the last few weeks as part of a scheme that takes a range of sports straight to their doorsteps.
The sports development team at St Edmundsbury launched ‘Sporting Fun on your Doorstep’ during May half-term which involves taking sporting activities to children aged between five and 13 in rural areas who may not be able to get transport to leisure centres in Haverhill and Bury St Edmunds. The team received such a positive response from those who took part that they decided to run the scheme again during the summer holidays to give even more children the chance tackle a favourite or new sport. Whilst the main and teaching pools are closed at Bury Leisure Centre it also offers alternative activities for children to come along to.
Despite the heat, children have got to grips with a number of sports including tennis, ball games, water safety, mini Olympics, athletics and much more. The scheme encourages children to try out new sports and apart from being fun also develops their skills in agility, balance and coordination. Children are also given more information about how they can continue their favourite sports through local courses.
Cllr Terry Clements said:
“This is an excellent scheme that gives lots of children the opportunity to try out a
sport of their choice and learn some key skills at the same time. It is a practical example of building sustainable communities - bringing services to people instead of expecting everyone to drive - and also shows our commitment to improving quality of life. And it’s clear to see the children are getting a great deal out of it!"
ENDS
Notes to editors
People can still book onto any of the following sessions taking place between 10-13 August:
- Tuesday 10 August - Wickhambrook Village Hall
- Wednesday 11 August – Ixworth Village Hall
- Thursday 12 August – ClareMiddle School
- Friday 13 August – Newbury Community Centre
Morning sessions are from 10.30am and 12.30pm. Afternoon sessions from 1.30pm and 3.30pm. To book or find out more call 01440 702548 or 01284 753496.
ISSUED BY MARIA ETHRIDGE, COMMUNICATIONS UNIT, ST EDMUNDSBURY BOROUGH COUNCIL. Tel 01284 757033 email maria.ethridge@stedsbc.gov.uk
