Date posted 29 Jul 2022
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Manchester Regional Arena will host a free Celebration of Sport event today, Friday 29th July, with an action packed afternoon of sporting activity and fun sessions.

The event has been organised by GLL who operate the Arena on behalf of MCRactive.

Ian Harkins, Head of Service for GLL in Manchester said:

“This fantastic event is open to everyone especially families. So far over 800 people have registered to attend so we’re expecting it to be a great atmosphere. It’s a great opportunity to come along and try a variety of sports and to visit one of Manchester’s iconic facilities. We’ve got something for everybody and our team and amazing coaches will be on hand to ensure everybody has a great time.”

The free event takes place between 12pm and 6pm and will also see the latest GLL Sport Foundation funded athletes awarded with their certificates. 52 local athletes successfully applied  to GLL at the start of the year, and over £28,600 of support funding through a combination of grants and training awards have now been made.  

“We’re delighted that the Celebration of Sport will showcase sport and activity at all levels to our local communities, from tots trying something for the very first time to us acknowledging our potential stars of the future.  It’ll be a great day whatever the weather!”

Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure, said:

 

“It’s important to improve the health and well-being of our residents through a wealth of activity and event provision that helps contribute to a healthier and happier Manchester. As a city, we always aim to support the variety of ways local residents can feel healthy and well, and trying new sports can be a fantastic way for residents to find an activity that works for them and their family.

"This Family Fun Day is a brilliant opportunity to highlight and celebrate the vast array of sporting possibilities and facilities available to residents right on their doorstep. Moreover, it will help young people discover the joys of movement and activity and try out the different pathways they can take to get involved in sports at all levels."

Free taster sessions and activities led by qualified coaches will include:

  • Squash
  • Cycling on Balance Bikes and Watt Bikes
  • Tennis
  • Basketball
  • Athletics
  • Gymnastics

In addition there will be fun and games for all ages including mini raft building, sinkers and face painting. There’ll also be competitions and giveaways, music and food available to purchase. Information about the Summer holiday programme  across leisure centres in Manchester including camps, drop in sessions and free swimming will also be available.

Free parking is available in Car Park BLUE G at Manchester Regional Arena, off Alan Turing Way, heading towards Manchester Tennis & Football Centre.

 

You can find out more at www.better.org.uk/celebration-of-sport

 

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About GLL

Established in 1993, GLL is the largest UK-based charitable social enterprise delivering leisure, health and community services. We manage 258 public sport and leisure centres, 113 libraries and 10 children’s centres in partnership with 50 local councils, public agencies and sporting organisations. GLL has 850,000 members and welcomes 46 million customer visits per year.

In Manchester we operate the city’s leisure facilities under the MCRactive brand. MCRactive are a not for profit organisation established and overseen by Manchester City Council, responsible for driving sport and physical activity across Manchester, inspiring and encouraging everyone to lead a more active and healthier lifestyle.

About the GLL Sport Foundation

In 2022, 1,523 talented young athletes from England, Wales and Northern Ireland will benefit from a cumulative £700,000 worth of memberships for sports venues and leisure centres, cash bursaries and other athlete services - thanks to leisure charitable social enterprise, GLL.

 

Athletes are supported through the GLL Sport Foundation, (GSF) the largest independent athlete support programme in the UK, which in 2022 marks its 14th year of supporting both emerging and established national sporting talent.

While GSF focuses mainly on supporting young and upcoming grassroots athletes in the local community, many have gone on to success in major competitions.  Award holders past and present include Tom Daley, Ellie Simmonds, Susie Rogers, Michael McKillop, Dina Asher-Smith and Charlotte Worthington.

The athlete awards cover Olympic, Paralympic, Deaflympic, Special Olympic and Commonwealth sporting disciplines.    

With a staggering 87% of award recipients receiving no other sport funding and 56% of recipients being aged under 21, the GLL Sport Foundation has highlighted a vital funding gap for young talented athletes and the need to tackle inequalities in sport; a significant number of award recipients have confirmed that this funding is essential to their journey and some could not continue without it.