Wandsworth Athletes Take a Bow
For the fourth year running the Wandsworth team won gold in archery. It capped a fine performance with the Boys Athletics team winning silver and the Girls Athletics team bronze to help the borough achieve fourth place overall out of 32 London boroughs and the City of London.
The games are Europe’s largest youth sports competition and involves tens of thousands of participants across nine months culminating in the finals event at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre over the weekend of July 7 and 8.
“I was very, very proud of them,” said London Youth Games archery team manager and coach Rafal Radosz. “And when they realised they had won they were so happy. Our youngest team member was Cameron, aged 11, who achieved a new record and set the best result in his category in the games’ 41-year-history! I am sure I will see him at the Olympics one day!”
In Wandsworth more than 50 schools were involved and over 400 athletes embracing a wide range of sports including: football, hockey, archery, netball, athletics and swimming.
“Having attended a London Youth Games event earlier in the year I saw the passion, enthusiasm and talent of the Wandsworth athletes and what a positive impact it has on them as individuals,” said cabinet member for community services and open spaces, Cllr Steffi Sutters. “The London Youth Games is truly a great event and long may Wandsworth’s success continue.”
Archery is just one of the many daily sports and activities available at the Battersea Summer Scheme’s annual Sport in the Park initiative. Every day until Friday, July 27 events will be held at Battersea Park’s Millennium Arena between 11.30am to 4.30pm.
These are just some of the great range of activities for youngsters in our parks over the summer holidays.
Joining a nationwide celebration of parks and open spaces, Wandsworth is celebrating Love Parks Week. Taking place from July 13 to July 22 it’s a chance for residents to get out and enjoy their favourite parks and appreciate why parks matter so much.
“I absolutely love parks,” said Rafal. “And they are important places for people to enjoy sporting activities or just take time out to relax.”
We would love to see your photos of your favourite Wandsworth park. So please post them on Instagram under the hashtag #LoveParksWandsworth
You can also tweet us a photo at @enableLC, @EnableParks and @wandbc
Those who submit the best pictures will receive free tickets to Foodstock LDN (which takes place in Battersea Park from July 27-29) with the best overall picture appearing with a picture credit on the next front cover of Brightside magazine.
Find out more at: www.wandsworth.gov.uk/loveparks
For more information on the Summer Scheme visit: http://www.batterseasummerscheme.org/
Wandsworth’s parks and open spaces and London Youth Games are managed by Enable Leisure and Culture, on behalf of Wandsworth Council. Enable Leisure and Culture is a non-for-profit organisation, no. 09487276, and registered with the Charity Commission (no. 1172345), providing leisure and cultural services for the benefit of local communities.