Over 250 local residents braved the wet conditions on June 16th to attend the first of three family sports days for Leeds. In partnership with Leeds City Council’s Sport and Active Lifestyles team community and sports groups people what was on offer in their area.

In the wooded area next to the pond in Middleton Park, sport and community groups set up stalls and activities to promote their interests, from Slam, the Middleton model plane club, to Run England who organise regular park fun runs.

The day started with the Songo “peace” African Drumming Group giving a lively and entertaining performance, which included opportunities for the young audience to join in.

The highlight of the day was the 800 metres fun run, attracting all ages, including parents with pushchairs. On the tennis courts, netball and tennis coaches conducted turn up and try sessions with interest from all ages. Hunslet Hawks’ rugby league club teamed up with Leeds Corinthians rugby union club to cover basic skills sessions. The resident Bowling club and local fishing groups shared their knowledge with onlookers and Striker football coaches’ skill sessions were well attended.

The John Charles Centre for Sport set up a rowing challenge over 250 metres and the junior record now stands at 54.7s and the senior record at 45.3s. Middleton Railway offered discounted train rides to the edge of the park so that residents could attend the day. The Health for All stall helped visitors to learn about the value of activity and healthy diets, and the Friends in the Park supplied hot drinks and food.

Feedback from the local residents and groups was positive and they are looking forward to a repeat event in 2013.