Despite the light rain in the middle of the day, the eleventh Oswestry Community Games more than met organisers’ expectations and around 1000 people of all ages turned up to enjoy the free activities in Cae Glas Park provided by diverse local organisations covering sports and dance. The live music was once again provided by Bartells, who lived up to their growing reputation.

James Manford – Lead Organiser said “It was a delight to be in our beautiful park today again and seeing so many activities going on. Many thanks go to all our local sponsors – Oswestry Town Council, Oswestry BID, Oswestry Sports Forum, Bunning Gas, DRE Accountants Perspective Finance group and Oswestry Life who make this event possible. Thank you to all the club volunteers who have given their time today so willingly, and to David Davies who was again in fine form as our MC for the day.

I would also like to thank David Osselton from Oswestry Photographic Society for undertaking his role as our official photographer, to Mal Molloy as videographer for creating a video of today’s activities, our Town Mayor Mike Isherwood, our Town Crier Phil Brown and to Sue Cameron Head Park Keeper and her team for making the park yet again look so good and a relaxing place to be. Last but not least, my thanks go to my colleagues Kelly Clarke and Clive Knight, who work tirelessly throughout the year to help me make this great community event happen again”. Shropshire‘s Darren Edwards –Disabled Adventurer was on hand throughout the day to inspire people with his international exploits and motivation to do so following his mountaineering accident.

Of particular interest in the park apart from many “Have a go” sessions provided by our local sports clubs including both the “workshop and performance arenas.” Seeing the Red Arrows fly over at 3.23pm was just a bonus!

Many thanks to our local volunteers who played a key role helping with the running of the Games, including overseeing the raffle in support of Darren’s chosen charity “Wings for Life”.

At the closing ceremony, Oswestry Town Council Mayor Mike Isherwood thanked everyone for their support, and spoke about the importance of the Community Games to help improve people’s physical and mental health. With around 150 volunteers here today, he was delighted to be there and congratulated everyone and all their work in their clubs to support our community and this great event. Darren Edwards Guest of Honour – then made an inspiring speech about his journey to reach this point, and to take advantage of the opportunities we have available locally. Phil Brown Town Crier then closed the Games with his verse and inimitable style!

Border Counties School of Gymnastics then provided their spectacular finale to close the Games.

 

For more photos of the Games, please look on our Facebook page.

Town Council Mayor, Darren Edwards Guest of Honour and Town Council.

M D Warriors

James Manford, Kelly Clarke and Clive Knight – Organisers (Picture credit Grum)

Mass photo.

Mayor with the  Moon Sisters – Acro Yoga

Mike McKenna.