The Sun shines at the 2018 Wythenshawe Games
The heatwave helped to bring thousands of people to the fantastic surroundings of Wythenshawe Park to take part in the Wythenshawe Games between 25th to 29th July.
The free festival saw 30 hours and 41 different sporting activities take place over ‘themed’ days which included an Older People, This Can Girl Can, Sport for All Day and a Family Fun Weekend.
This year saw England Squash participate at the Games for the first time and 250 people try out the sport, while wheelchair basketball was delivered with the support of Paralympian and former GB wheelchair basketball player Anna Jackson, UK Coaching’s Disability Coach of the Year.
- 17,325 participated in sport over the 5 days
- 110 runners took part in the in the Wythenshawe 10k (sponsored by Lidl)
- 5,043 under 5s took part in sports and activities
- 245 hours were volunteered by 39 WCHG colleagues across the 5 days.
- 18 community volunteers helped supported the event from Virgin Media & Bespoke who signed up as part of the Wythenshawe time banking scheme
Organiser Lou Englefield from Pride Sports said, ““It was fantastic to see people of all ages have a go at sport and physical activity throughout the five days. From yoga tasters to our annual 10km run, we saw Wythenshawe residents trying new things. We hope we’ve inspired local people to get active all rear round. Wythenshawe has great sport offer, which means there really should be something for everyone."
WCHG Group Chief Executive Nigel Wilson said, “Another great year for the Wythenshawe Games and although the weather was much kinder this year it would not be the games without some rain! Can I thank all the volunteers and organisers for a superb event, impressive layout, fantastic programme of activities and Great Spirit! The event is a huge credit to collaboration of partners in Wythenshawe and a big statement on the city!”
The Wythenshawe Games launched in 2012 as part of the legacy of the London Olympics and is a partnership between Wythenshawe Community Housing Group (WCHG), Manchester City Council, Wythenshawe Forum and Pride Sports.
For more information about the Wythenshawe Games visit www.wythenshawegames.org.uk
