London legacy inspired Community Games entices people to ‘Join in’

Almost a year to the day after her historic Olympic Gold medal winning performance, boxer Nicola Adams stepped back into the ring at Barker’s Pool in Sheffield on 8th August to promote a joint Community Games and Join In event to encourage more people to participate in sport.

The space outside Sheffield City Hall was transformed with a mobile boxing arena, fully equipped with a ring and eight punch bags. Community Games funded Aspire Amateur Boxing Club provided individual and group training sessions for members of public to ‘give boxing a go’ in the summer sun.

Julie Dore, Leader of Sheffield City Council opened the event, supported by the ‘Join In’ campaign, Sheffield Council’s Social Services team and the English Amateur Boxing Association.

Three aspiring boxers from St Vincent’s Boxing Club in Sheffield provided a demonstration of their skills, entertaining the crowds with some punch work with Olympic Champion Nicola. And a local dance troupe complemented the sporting activities with regular performances and workshops, which kept people moving.

Social worker Ronnie Tucker was very pleased with the day’s event, explaining, “Sport is a good way of getting children away from anti-social behaviour and the periphery of crime – it’s all about providing opportunities for young people to get involved in positive activities”.

London legacy inspired Community Games entices people to ‘Join in’