FAMILIES can try their hand at different sports as part of a community day celebrating Congleton’s historic role in the run up to the Commonweath Games.
Congleton is the only non-city venue chosen to host the Queen’s Baton Relay ahead of the games and Everybody Sport and Recreation – a new charitable trust running leisure services in Cheshire East – is staging free activities as part of the event on May 31.
There will be free swim sessions and instruction to help improve skills at Congleton Leisure Centre as well as a chance to try out squash, badminton, table tennis and indoor bowls.At nearby Hankinson’s Field families can try zumba and pick up tips on health and nutrition. Athletic visitors can take on hurdles, javelin throwing and obstacle courses at workshops led by Team Congleton, an organisation which promotes sport and healthy living.Leisure Centre spokesman Lee Jackson said: “Congleton is really proud to be on the baton relay itinerary and we want to make it a day to remember.
“The community day will offer lots to see and do but for us the focus is on promoting sport and the numerous ways people can incorporate into their lives.”
Thousands are expected in Congleton Park for the baton relay and community day organised with support from the town council. A parade of 320 town schoolchildren will follow baton bearers Jane Whetnall and Ann Brightwell as they make their way round the park to the bandstand where Congleton opera singer Carrie-Ann Williams will sing the national anthem backed by Rode Hall Silver Band. Jane, a co-founder of the Cheshire Academy in Crewe, was honoured with an MBE earlier this year for services to disability sport while Ann, a former Olympic gold medalist, is president of Team Congleton, an organisation which promotes sport and healthy living.Meanwhile the children are busy making flags and rehearsing their song for the day – Gary Barlow’s Sing, written for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and performed by artists from across the Commonwealth.Numbers in the park are limited to 10,000 and organisers are urging families to waste no time in applying for tickets. For more information on the event and how to apply for tickets visit www.everybody.org.uk or www.congleton-tc.gov.uk
