ACTIVE Sunderland goes BIG on Wednesday 22 February with a free Community Sports Festival at the Raich Carter Centre between noon and 4pm.
All are welcome at the centre as a taster and tester for the BIG Events programme of 2017.
First launched in 2012 as part of the Olympic year, thousands of people from in and outside of Sunderland have since taken part in BIG events.
Last year more than 5,000 people attended a BIG event or festival and 2017 will see the return of the BIG Walk, the BIG Run and the BIG Bike Ride.
Sunderland City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Wellness and Culture, Councillor John Kelly said: “The Active Sunderland BIG Events and Festivals are a great way to have a go and take part in many different activities and sports. I’d encourage everyone to join in this year and see just how many opportunities there are in the city for people of all ages to get active.
“Once again we’re offering everyone the chance to join one of the BIG events and new for this year will be the BIG 3 in 1 event that is especially for children.”
This a fun run, bike ride and walk all at one venue.
The council will also be offering a programme of six community sports festivals with free activities this year.
Through the community sports festivals and working with partners and community sports clubs, the council’s Active Sunderland programme is working hard to help get more people more involved in sports, exercise and physical activities.
At the festivals everyone is encouraged to take part, free of charge, in a wide variety of sports and activities taster sessions.
Angela Karamath, of Dodgeball North East, a club who have taken part in many previous festivals across the city, said: “The Active Sunderland area festivals are a great way to have a go and take part in many different sports free of charge – including Dodgeball!
“I would encourage everyone to come along and see just how many opportunities there are in your area for people of all ages to get active.”
All of the activities are free and everyone, of all ages and abilities, is encouraged to come along to the Raich Carter Centre on the 22 February and try a new activity or sport.
Sports and activities at the festivals typically include football, rugby, table tennis, tennis, hockey, martial arts, netball, cricket, mini golf, volleyball, trampolining, traditional sports day games and many more family activities.
Further details of the BIG Events and Festivals programme will be available on Wednesday.
You can also check the Active Sunderland Facebook page to keep up to date with activities and how to enter or go to www.activesunderland.org.uk for further information.
You can also email: active@sunderland.gov.uk