Thousands attend town centre sports festival

Thousands of people gathered in the town centre on Sunday 26th June to attend Stockport sports festival, StockSport, organised by Stockport Council and Totally Stockport.

The day’s events began with over 400 runners lacing up for races in the town centre, including athletes of all ages taking part in the My First Mile race. Stockport County mascot, Vernon Bear made sure the runners were raring to go on the start line and the Mayor gave out medals to all participants.

Danny Butler’s team at the Extreme Mountain Bike Shows wowed crowds with their students, whilst a traffic-free environment gave attendees the chance to try out various bikes, including adapted and electric bikes. Visitors embraced the many challenges available, from the fastest spin time to pedalling a smoothie, whilst others learned to take a wicket with Lancashire Cricket Foundation.

The children’s activities proved popular with some epic tug of war battles, penalties scored, and coconuts thrown in the ACE Children’s zone. Visitors went home with some new skills and a smile on their faces after trying their hand at Yoga, Zumba, boxing and Muay Thai boxing, with some great local providers, including BOOST and Master Sken Academy.

Cllr Grace Baynham, Cabinet Member for Highways, Parks and Leisure Services, said,

“StockSport was such a great event that saw many ages coming together, having fun, getting active and bringing a real community spirit to this fantastic town.”

“Thank you to everyone who came along and got involved on the day, also the volunteers and sponsors for supporting an event that positively impacts the local area, contributing to the local economy, supporting businesses and giving back to the community.”

The event was organised following the success of the Enduro cycling event and Urban 5k which took place in the town centre last year. Hosted by Stockport Council and Totally Stockport, the event was sponsored by Trek Wilmslow, musicMagpie, Ridge, Edgeley Park, Safecote, WSP, Wilmott Dixon and BASF.

The sports and activities on the day have whet the appetite and paved the way for the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay, which comes to Stockport on 17th July. As part of its epic journey across the Commonwealth, the baton relay stops off in Stockport before making its way to Birmingham for the opening ceremony on 28th July.