The inaugural Cheshire and Warrington Team Games came to the prestigious surroundings of Chester Racecourse .
More than 1,000 employees from some of Cheshire’s biggest businesses entered teams to take on inflatable races, retro school sports and other fun games in a bid to be crowned Team Games Champion or simply enjoy the sunshine and have fun with colleagues.
A normally sleepy Sunday morning was transformed into a hive of energy and activity as local gyms Nuffield Health and Village St David’s Park kicked off a warm-up for the 3,000 plus visitors.
Colourful fancy dress, team T-shirts and sparkling face paint were the order of the day, as Cheshire and Warrington’s biggest health and wellbeing event and corporate games was born.
More than 800 primary school pupils with hundreds of family members joined in the activities, leaping through bubbles in the fun run, bouncing towards the sky on the fun inflatables and zooming back to earth on the zip wires and free fall jumps.
Event organisers Active Cheshire, a local charity and lead body for physical activity in the sub-region, designed the event with a range of partners to inspire residents of all types and ages to move more.
Active Cheshire CEO, Anne Boyd said: “Team Games is about realising that being active is vital for happy and healthy lives but it’s also great fun, just look at the smiles on the faces of people here and we know most are here to simply have a good time. The fact they are getting active is just a huge bonus.”
With the support from the likes of Cheshire Fire and Rescue, Helsby and Frodsham Rotary Club, NHS West Cheshire, Dee and Silk Radio and many more the event raised an incredible £3,000 for The Prince’s Trust charity, helping to improve the lives of local disadvantaged young people.
Local MPs Chris Matheson and Justin Madders went along to show their support to the cause and led by example in the movement to #GetCheshireActive by taking on the 400m assault course.
Chris Matheson said : “The day was fantastic, a real inspiration to get active, everyone benefits from moving more and I’m delighted to be able to have taken part. There is such a buzz and energy around the whole festival.”
Amidst all the fun and laughter there was still room for that competitive edge to shine through as ‘Everybody Sport and Recreation’ a Cheshire East Leisure charity, took the prize of Team Games Champions, being presented with their substantial trophy by The High Sheriff of Cheshire Kathy Cowell OBE DL.
If you would like to know more about Active Cheshire or the Team Games please contact james.fallon@activecheshire.org
