The Wythenshawe Games 2017
Now in its 6th year, the Wythenshawe Games saw the highest number of people register for sports activities since it launched in 2012.
Over 18,000 people took part in a whole variety of different activities and sports as part of the annual free festival which runs from 26th to 31st July in Wythenshawe Park.
Over 5,500 children engaged in activities in the Under 5’s tent over the course of the event and over 600 young people participated in Youthtopia - a range of activities delivered by the WCHG youth team to engage young people and get them involved in projects after the games ranging from physical activity to advice and guidance sessions.
This year’s games were also special because they saw over 550 hours donated by volunteers from Wythenshawe Community Housing Group, Real Neighbours and Wythenshawe Timebank members.
The Games has continued to grow each year with each day ‘themed’ around different sports and activities for all the family, these included
- Older People Day
- This Girl Can Day
- Sports for All Day
- Family Fun Weekend
- 10K run in Wythenshawe Park (which saw 221 people register to take part)
Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Eddy Newman said, “The Wythenshawe Games is an institution, now in its sixth successful year it makes Wythenshawe truly unique. I was delighted to attend and it was great to see so many people enjoying themselves in the fantastic surroundings of Wythenshawe Park.”
This year also saw a special guest attend on the ‘This Girl Can Day’ ,Great Britain Athletics star & World and European Medallist Jenny Meadows, she said, "The Wythenshawe Games is an amazing journey for the local community and I was proud to support the games this year, especially the girl can do campaign".
WCHG Group Chief Executive Nigel Wilson said, “The Games is a wonderful event that demonstrates the fantastic community spirit we have here in Wythenshawe. I would like to thank all the staff who volunteered. Whilst this year the weather was less kind to us, the numbers attending were still very impressive and the spirits of the volunteers never dipped.”
The Wythenshawe Games is a partnership between Wythenshawe Community Housing Group (WCHG), Manchester City Council , Wythenshawe Forum and Pride Sports.
For more information about the Wythenshawe Games please go to www.wythenshawegames.org.uk
