Yeovil Recreation Centre was transformed into a mini Olympic venue when the I Am Team GB event brought a huge range of sports clubs together on Saturday 27 August.
The event – organised by South Somerset District Council – encouraged hundreds of people to have a go at sports that they would not normally have access to.
I Am Team GB is a nationwide campaign that has inspired thousands of UK sports clubs to open their doors to new participants. Local participating sports clubs included Yeovil Volleyball Club, Yeovil & Sherborne Hockey Club, Yeovil Olympiads, Yeovil Badminton Club and Yeovil Netball Club.
Jake Hannis, Senior Sport and Healthy Lifestyles Officer at South Somerset District Council, said: “We were pleased to be able to join leisure centres and sports clubs up and down the country in putting on a range of free activities to celebrate Team GB’s successes.
“So many of our sporting heroes in Rio started their journey within local sports clubs and this event was a great opportunity for our local clubs to showcase their work as well as attracting new members and people returning to the sport.”
One of the clubs involved was Kuk Sool Won Martial Arts in Yeovil. Sally Runnacles from the club commented: “We were delighted to be involved in I Am Team GB. It was an awesome event with lots of children and adults from in and around Yeovil taking up the offer of free taster sports sessions. The event was really well attended and people were not put off by the rumble of thunder. We had lots of children and adults discovering their martial arts skills and breaking a board with their bare hands!”
Councillor Sylvia Seal, Portfolio Holder for Leisure & Culture at South Somerset District Council, said: “Team GB truly excelled at Rio 2016 and these performances have no doubt inspired people of all ages and abilities to try sports they may never have considered before.
“It’s encouraging to see so many local sports clubs represented at the event. South Somerset has sports clubs and facilities that we can be proud of. I hope that the local sports clubs will see an increased interest following the Olympics and this exciting event.”