LYME’s summer-long celebration of sport and community has officially begun with the launch of Sporting Lyme.
Sixteen sporting organisations came together at Anning Road Playing Field to kick off the inaugural Sporting Lyme, organised by Lyme Regis Town Council.
Taking place between May and September this year, the festival is a community-wide celebration of local sporting organisations and opportunities designed to encourage participation, get people active and find out what’s on offer in the local area.
The launch event included a demonstration from Lyme Regis Taekwondo Club, taster sessions in the multi-use games area, information stands, competitions, and plenty of opportunities to get involved and try new things.
The mayor of Lyme Regis, Cllr Philip Evans, said: "Our summer of sport has been launched with the official opening of Sporting Lyme over the Bank Holiday weekend.
"The event at Anning Road Playing Field was a big success, with a whole host of local sporting organisations coming together to show residents what's on offer locally.
"It was a pleasure to see the wealth of sports taking place all in one location, with rugby balls being launched into the air, sails flapping in the wind, and aspiring gymnasts leaping around.
"I visited every stand and had a go at each of the sports, including casting with the Sea Angling Club, playing a spot of pickleball, and having a go on a rowing machine. Each of the organisations told me what a great opportunity it was to meet the wider community and generate interest in what they do.
"The aim of the event was to try, explore and get inspired and I feel we achieved that. I look forward to a summer of sport in partnership with our local organisations."
David Flett, secretary of Lyme Regis Bowling Club said: “It was fabulous for the bowling club to be a part of the Sporting Lyme launch and for a couple of our members to showcase what the sport and the club has to offer within the town, to all ages.
“As the club has gone from strength to strength over the past few years, the Sporting Lyme festival will enable the club to reach all parts of the community to drive participation in the sport, especially amongst young people. We are looking forward to a busy summer!”
Competition was high in a rowing contest run by Liv2Row, challenging entrants to row as far as they could in one minute.
Olivia Chuter from Liv2Row said: “What a fantastic launch event! Great to see so many sports available within our community. It was fantastic to see all ages try out indoor rowing with many participating in a little competition.”
Each of the participating organisations will hold special events between now and September for anyone to get involved with.
In May alone, residents can join Axe Valley Runners on various runs around Lyme Regis, watch Lyme Regis Gig Club’s masters and open regattas, attend the open day at Lyme Regis Bowling Club, join a free session with Fit Steps, go along to Lyme Regis Sailing Club’s open day, and see what Lyme Regis Sea School is all about at their open day.
Click here to see the full programme of events.