Call to limber up for Church Stretton community games

Church Stretton has seen a number of events where townsfolk have come together for a day of sporting activities in recent years, but now is hoping to do so again to coincide with the Olympics this year.

Alan Fox, a governor at Church Stretton School, has put out the call for clubs and individuals to get involved with Church Stretton Community Games 2016.

Shropshire already plays hosts to the Wenlock Olympian Games in Much Wenlock, inspired by Dr William Penny Brookes, while Oswestry Community Games has also become established in recent years and will be held again on September 25 in Cae Glas Park.

Mr Fox said: "There was a fantastic community spirit evident at the opening of our leisure centre and at the community celebration that followed. This was repeated at the community games in 2012 and the community games held as part of Stretton Medieval event 2014.

"There have been calls for a repeat of similar events. Church Stretton School is therefore proposing a Church Stretton Community Games event for July 9."

Mr Fox added: "While the initial inspiration was the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Community Games – including those held in Church Stretton – have also helped to generate a positive community legacy.

"At its heart the programme helps to get families and communities more active.

"It also creates many other beneficial outcomes, encouraging volunteering, engaging communities, building local partnerships and improving health. As part of this 2016 Olympic year, and in an effort to promote the legacy of the games, Church Stretton School is hoping to expand on this idea.

"The idea is to invite sports and leisure clubs and groups to showcase their organisation as part of an open day of sport, arts and leisure, so that the general public of Church Stretton and beyond, at all levels of ability, can sample the benefits.

"Those with movement disability can also take part using our sports wheelchairs," he said.

He said the event would be free for all and hosted at Church Stretton School and the Teme Church Stretton leisure centre next door.

"Early indications are that the event will be well supported and possibly oversubscribed," he said. "If space becomes limited it will be allocated on a first come, first served basis."

Contact Mr Fox on (01694) 725588 or email alandavidfox@live.co.uk