Active Communities Network, a youth and community development charity hosted the Big World Impact (BWI) Project Summer multi-sport event on Wednesday 17 August, with Havant MP Alan Mak on hand to give out prizes to some of the youngsters.
It celebrated the work taking place in Leigh Park and showcased ACN’s partnership working with Hampshire's Police & Crime Commissioner and the Asda Foundation demonstrating how their support and funding is creating increased outcomes for young people and the community.
The action packed day included a football tournament between BWI participants aged 13-18 and the Havant Neighbourhood Policing Team, Street Cricket in partnership with Hampshire Cricket Board and performances by two dance groups.
At the end of the day a medal presentation was held to reward those who took part in the activities and football competition. Certificates were also presented to young people who have completed their Sports Leaders Level 1, Dance Leaders and Tennis Activators courses.
Participation on the day allowed young people to have 1 token towards the 10 tokens required for attendance to have the opportunity to take part in sailing /rock climbing, raft building as part of our partnership with Havant Police and Havant Borough Council. This event was part of our agenda to offer free diversionary activity during the summer, reducing ASB.
Mr Mak handed out some prizes alongside guests including Police and Crime Commissioner Michael Lane, local councillors, the Asda Foundation and local Asda Stores, Hampshire Cricket Board.
Havant MP Alan Mak said: “Active Communities through the BWI Project has a track record of successful community engagement. From my experience of working in schools as a governor, keeping young people active and focused is key to tackling anti-social behaviour. It was also great to see the police working in the community and building positive relationships. Too often younger people are unfairly criticised and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting this enthusiastic group during the sports day.”
On the day two special sporting guests also helped to run sports sessions. Joel Mclntyre, a professional Boxer from Leigh Park, and Katy Sexton MBE, former swimming world champion, who was supporting the cricket session.
PC Wilson from Havant and Leigh Park SNT (Safer Neighbourhood Team) said: “I just think these projects are invaluable and have such a positive impact. Sometimes it’s not easy to measure but we can tell from our crime statistics and the amount of calls we get for ASB that it does have a positive impact all round.’
“Engaging in lots of different sports like this can give young people a lot of self-respect and increase their confidence, it builds teamwork and helps young people learn lots of valuable life skills.”
For more information about sessions in Leigh Park please contact our Havant office on 02392 222 127 or e-mail [email protected].