SPORTY children of all ages plus mums, dads and grandparents packed into the Bolton Arena Community Sports Village to try out all sorts of free activities.
The Community Active funday attracted more than 1,000 visitors from tiny tots to teens and adults, all keen to try out sports from pickleball to football with Bolton Wanderers in the Community and from gymnastics to gym sessions.
There was a climbing wall courtesy of The Anderton Centre, a staffed fire engine from Horwich Community Fire Station, tennis and a Samba band to lead around 250 participants in the Colour Run to the 3k course around the track.
The Mayor of Horwich, Cllr Victoria Rigby, and Consort Harry Bromley, officially started the Colour Run.
The Mayor, who even tried out the climbing wall, said she was “very impressed” by the open day event and the numbers attending. “It provides a really positive experience for people who might not know what the Arena offers,” she said.
“I was taken with the netball in particular as I used to play at school but it’s so nice to see all ages taking part in different sports.”
The Colour Run raised £1,500 for Bolton Hospice, boosted by a further £330 from additional paint sales and a cake sale run by staff from EEG.
Stuart Kay, The Arena’s Head of Sport and Communities, said they were “really pleased” with the response to the day.
“People certainly seemed to enjoy all the activities and they had a chance to try out sports like Pickleball that not everyone had heard of.
“The day was all about the community and family and our giving something back.”
Parents and excited children were all delighted with the day. Mother of two Sarah Collier was there with nine year-old Martha and two year-old George who enjoyed the structured fun.
“I think the open day is a great idea,” she stated,” We wouldn’t have known half of what they do at the Arena without it.
“Martha has really enjoyed the gymnastics and the tennis and George loved the football. The coaches have been great and I think it’s such a good idea to allow children to try out different sports they might never have tried before.
“It’s been really enjoyable – relaxed but professional … and fun!”
