In the Olympic park on Thursday 2nd June, two of our Team GBR women, Briedenhann & Mills, headed to a community sporting event to introduce locals from the surrounding area to Wallball.
Genesis Housing and the London Legacy Development Commission invited UK Wallball, West Ham Football Foundation, and London Lions Basketball to run free sessions for the community alongside a bouncy castle, a BBQ and some face painting. The day was aimed to involve the community in fun activities to engage them into something slightly different than their normal routine and to create opportunity and inspiration for the younger generation.
The day was very successful with people of all ages ranging from six to forty-six wanting to participate in the Wallball event. After a short introduction, enthusiastic children kept coming back to the Wallball court for more. By the end of the day the children were able to play the game comfortably and were keen to know when the next event was going to be held. Approximately 40 children and adults were introduced to Wallball and there was a lot of talent on display.
Because Wallball is so accessible, in more ways than one, it makes it a popular sport in communities like Stratford. Players are able to transfer their skills onto the Wallball court with ease and have fun while doing so and likewise Wallball skills can be easily translated to other sports and activities.
Events like this emphasise how powerful a sport such as Wallball can be in a community by bringing people together and getting them participating in and enjoying physical activity.
We would like to thank Genesis Housing and LLDC for inviting us to the event and for their warm welcome on the day. The event type, style and ethos fits perfectly with what Wallball is hoping to achieve in London and we hope to be part of many more community events like this in the future.
Our next event at this location – our official court launch and community day, will be Saturday 6th August, from 11-5pm. Everyone is invited! Spread the word!
Our balls will be stocked in the corner shop just next door!