Being physically active and taking part in sports has a wide range of benefits, both for individuals of all ages, genders and demographics, and for communities more widely. It brings people together and builds social bonds, it can help drive economic activity, and helps people develop skills and confidence.
I was therefore delighted on Sunday to have the pleasure of attending the first Sevenoaks Sports and Wellbeing Showcase at Knole Academy to meet with organisers Steve and Lorraine Rowley – and it certainly did not disappoint.
At the event were over 30 stalls representing most of the major sporting clubs in the district, including tennis, football, rugby, hockey, martial arts, lacrosse, swimming, cricket, basketball, and boxing.
After a difficult few years, it was wonderful to see our local sports clubs once again thriving and celebrating great success’ - such as Sevenoaks Rugby Club winning their league this year and HC Knole Hockey Club winning national championships at different levels and age ranges.
But it’s not just about winning, but also working in a team and supporting one another.
At the event I spoke with Richard Young the club captain of Sevenoaks Hockey club and discussed the great work they do, including with young girls in particular; met the amazing West Kingsdown Boxing coaches Colin and Micky, who are working with young boy and girls, as well as Parkinson’s sufferers. And, learnt from Sue Larken, who works for Age UK Sevenoaks and Tonbridge about the brilliant coffee mornings and local exercise groups she organises around many of our local villages for older people. The sessions combine friendly company, with help, advice and exercises to improve balance and strength.
I also had the pleasure of meeting Issy Fassnidge from Seal. Issy is hoping to follow in the footsteps of our local gold medallist Lizzie Yarnold in the skeleton. She has been selected for Great Britain and now that her exams are over, will be training full-time in preparation of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. I look forward to seeing her represent GB in the coming years and waving the flag for Sevenoaks on the global stage.
A huge thank you to Steve and Lorraine for organising such a fantastic event. The work they do to promote sport in our district is incredibly valuable.
As a community we are so lucky to have such sporting groups on our doorstep, and I would encourage anyone who is interested or keen to get involved to visit the Sevenoaks Sport and Wellbeing website where you can find more details: https://sevenoakssports.co.uk/
