Tens of thousands of people across Brighton and Hove took part in Take Part yesterday as the city’s the international festival of sport kicked off in Preston Park, Brighton.
Take Part Day is the first key event in the festival which includes three weekends of sporting activities.
The event in Preston Park gave people of all ages the chance to sample or see dozens of different sports and pastimes including football, cricket, tennis, orienteering and rock climbing.
One of the main displays – by Team Extreme – showed off dazzling skills and stunts on bikes and skateboards in half pipes.
Many of the activities were targeted at children as the key backers – Brighton and Hove City Council and NHS Brighton and Hove – aimed to encourage healthier lifestyles.
Take Part Day yesterday is followed by the London to Brighton Bike Ride today and Take Part Local – at various venues around Brighton and Hove – and the Seafront Weekend.
A highlight of the seafront weekend is the Paddle Round The Pier when hundreds take to the water to paddle their way round the remains of the West Pier.
Apart from offering taster sessions and displays, the festival also enables dozens of sports and leisure clubs the chance to showcase their activities.
Schools are among the organisations holding and taking part in events between now and the first weekend in July.
Competitions include a beach football world cup.
Take Part Local includes activities in Hangleton and Knoll, Hollingdean, Moulsecoomb, Portslade and Mile Oak, Tarner Park, Queen’s Park, Craven Vale and the Bristol Estate.
