Community Games events bring people together, provide fantastic days out and encourage people of all ages to try out new sports in a relaxed environment. But it’s not just about a one-off event. Community Games aims to get people to take up new sports and become more active in the long-term, not just for the day. Showcasing local sporting opportunities and letting people try them out is a great way to achieve this, as Corin Le Huray’s experience shows.
When Corin began studying for her doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Bath University, she had little time to take part in sport and gradually did less and less. However, when she heard about a nearby Community Games “Community Fun Day” – organised by the local County Sports Partnership Wesport in partnership with Wellsway School – she was keen to attend in order to find out about sporting opportunities available to her more locally.
With a variety of local clubs, NGBs and regional sporting officers present, the event offered over 270 people the chance to try out activities ranging from archery to squash and golf to canoeing. Corin described the event as, “a really great afternoon out!” and particularly enjoyed the canoeing provided by Globe 360 (a local club) and the regional paddle sport development officer. She even took part in a 20 metre canoe sprint against the clock!
During the event, representatives from Globe 360 spoke with Corin and her friends about their upcoming beginners’ course, which Corin and a couple of others decided to attend. Now, just a few months later, Corin has completed the course, been on a canoeing holiday and is attending weekly open club sessions at Globe 360. As she explained, “Attending the Community Games made me realise just how much was available in my local area and inspired me to take up a sport that I had been interested in for a long time”. 
Community Games made it easy for Corin to stay active in spite of her commitments by introducing her to a sport that she enjoyed and could fit around her university work. Furthermore, Community Games also helped Globe 360 to find a committed and enthusiastic new club member.
Indeed, Wesport’s Community Games Lead Jackie Hilleard encourages  local clubs and facilities,  “to use the Community Games programme as part of [their] community activities,” as a proven way to find new members. 
Corin is just one example of the many people who have found a way back into sport through a Community Games event – and we look forward to inspiring many more people in the future!