Newbury College hosted a free Sports Taster Day 'Inspire West Berkshire' with special guest, British Equestrian Gold medallist Sophie Christiansen, who won three Gold medals in the 2012 Paralympics. The event took place on Saturday 2 November from 11.30am to 3pm and was held to encourage both disabled and non-disabled people to try new sports activities.
Sophie Christiansen inspired attendees by giving a presentation over lunch about life in sport and the London 2012 Olympics. The day was organised in partnership with West Berkshire Council, NHS Berkshire West alongside Get Berkshire Active, Berkshire Blind Society, Adventure Dolphin and Sport England. The event is part of the 'Inspire West Berkshire' campaign and is one of six leisure activities being held across the West Berkshire district. Those who attended had the opportunity to take part in a range of sports including Goal Ball, Wheelchair Basketball, Archery and Indoor Kayaking.
Newbury College Sports Maker and Enrichment Officer Joe Pegg who helped organise the event said, "To host an event of this nature is a great way to inspire and engage people in to sport. These events are put on to showcase what sports and activities are available and to get more people active. In order to run an event like this takes a lot of time and key partnership working, which is a testament to the work that goes on in and around West Berkshire".
The objective of day was to encourage people to get more active and to stay active and healthy. Each activity caters for children and adults of any ability, experience and confidence level. Everyone attending had the opportunity to set themselves a new challenge, make new friends with like-minded people or purely just to enjoy themselves.
Inspire West Berkshire is also looking at encouraging people to look at the possibility of volunteering and even setting up their own informal leisure groups. Inspire Co-ordinators were on hand on the day to discuss any needs and requirements to help a new groups move forward.
If you're interested in setting up your own leisure group, or want more information about Inspire West Berkshire. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., visit www.getberkshireactive.org, or call 01628 473 031 for more information.