By Frances Solomon
Brighton’s city-wide Take Part event, now the country’s biggest sport festival, will be launching on 18 June at The Level on Union Road.
Beginning in 2006 the two-week long festival run by Brighton and Hove City Council is a celebration of physical activity and is aimed at getting people of all ages active.
They have partnered with groups across the city and announced a wide ranging programme this week.
Alan Robin, a Brighton and Hove councilor, said: “It’s vital that we encourage people to keep fit and stay active for future health benefits. This is a great chance to promote all the opportunities to do so across Brighton & Hove.
Celebrations will kick off with dance and extreme sport performances. The Level will boast a martial arts zone, skate jams and tuition. A Sugar Smart healthy eating zone will give people the chance to speak to health experts and people will be able to find out about activities in their area.
Take Part hopes to deliver more than a 100 free and pay-for taster sessions in every activity Brighton has to offer, including dance, bouldering, running, walking and yoga.
To support disabled people to participate in sport the launch at The Level will have a Disability Active Zone where people of all abilities can take part in deaf and disabled yoga, cricket, cycling and table tennis.
There will also be an accessible beach entry made, as well as a Best of Health day at King Alfred’s Leisure Centre on 25 June and other inclusive events throughout the two-weeks.
Wild Life Youth Festival is back by popular demand and is a day of free sport on June 26 to inspire young people to make friends, enjoy themselves and get more active.
Mr Robin said: “The TAKEPART Launch Event is the perfect start for a summer full of sports and activities in the city and I encourage everyone to go out and see what’s on offer.”
Paddle Around the Pier charity beach event will end the festival with two days of activities on the sea front from July 2 to 3. This includes swimming, skating, volleyball and watching people from all over the world (and one dog) race around the pier on surf boards and homemade rafts.
