A group of ladies from Tatworth WI has enthusiastically embraced a range of new sports including new age kurling and boccia thanks to South Somerset District Council’s Sport50 initiative.
Sport50 offers anyone over the age of 50 the opportunity to try a wide range of adapted sports which can include badminton, short tennis, walking rounders, croquet and basketball.
The project has been launched by South Somerset District Council’s Healthy Lifestyles Team. Charlie Coward from the team explains more about Sport50, “Having launched the project in the summer of 2013 we were delighted with the response from different communities. As well as Tatworth we now have successful sessions running in Mudford, Henstridge, Somerton and East Chinnock.
“We work directly with communities to arrange the booking of the venue and then provide all the promotional materials, equipment and the qualified coach, leaving the community to simply spread the word. Following the initial sessions we then support the communities to run sessions themselves. I am particularly pleased with the enthusiastic response in Tatworth.”
Angela Long from Tatworth WI explains more about how Sport50 has been received in the village, “Following an introductory session from Charlie we soon all realised that kurling is a very versatile team game. It’s great fun and a real challenge to make the target mat. Boccia has similar principals to indoor bowls and we are now hooked and waiting for our next challenge.
“Over the next three weeks seated volleyball and badminton were introduced and we found ourselves reaching, stretching and bending further than we thought possible. It was great fun, many laughs and slightly competitive.
“During December we were presented with the equipment from SSDC, necessary to carry on the group sessions which recommence on Monday 5th of January at 2.30pm. Sessions last around two hours and cost £1.50 including refreshments. New members are welcome and there is no need to be a WI member.”
Councillor Sylvia Seal, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at South Somerset District Council said, “The beauty of the Sport50 is that we help to kick-start the activities in each community with taster sessions and then community volunteers have stepped up and organised the sessions themselves. The Healthy Lifestyles Team is still there to provide on-going support and also to provide the equipment and funding towards venue hire.”
To find out more about Sport50 contact Charlie Coward on 01935 462347.