Youngsters and police unite at sports day

Big World Impact (BWI), Havant Police and Havant Fire and Rescue Service came together with 130 young people for a day of sport and youth engagement.

BWI’s Big Summer Sports Day took place yesterday at Park Community School, Leigh Park, and was hosted by youth and community development The Active Communities Network.

The day was part of a programme of free activities for young people in Leigh Park during the summer to help reduce anti-social behaviour.

The scheme’s partnership with Hampshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner and the Asda foundation helped fund the sports day.

Police and Crime Commissioner Michael Lane said: ‘It is a brilliant way for people to be in the community doing something that’s fun. They can engage with other people learning something, learning skills and being thrilled with the competitive nature. This is a brilliant thing to do and this is a great community event that demonstrates all of that.’

The main event was a football tournament between BWI participants and the Havant Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Other activities included tennis, street cricket run by the Hampshire Cricket Board and performances by two youth dance groups.

The day concluded with a medal presentation to those who took part in the day and certificates were also given to young people who completed their Sports Leaders Level 1, Dance Leaders and Tennis Activators courses.

Community engagement manager Julian Wadsworth MBE said: ‘The event was a hugely successful with over 130 young people attending and highlighted the support we receive from both Hampshire’s police and crime commissioner and the Asda Foundation which enabled us to support young people within the community of Leigh Park.’

Havant MP Alan Mak attended and said: ‘Too often younger people are unfairly criticised and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting this enthusiastic group during the sports day.’