ConnectSport CIC aims to showcase and celebrate the sport for development sector through our team of talented reporters. Watch our series of short films, produced by up-and-coming young journalists and content creators, about how the power of sport and physical activity is helping to improve lives and strengthen communities every day across the UK. To find out more, contact hello@connectsport.co.uk
“IT’S A GOOD THING TO DO AS A FAMILY” – JUNIOR PARKRUN WEDNESFIELD CELEBRATES 11 YEARS OF BRINGING GENERATIONS TOGETHER
By Reece Hibbert-Reid and Harry Andrews
Junior parkrun in Wednesfield is celebrating 11 years of bringing local families together to keep fit, healthy and socially connected. Since launching in 2015, the free weekly 2km event in Wednesfield Park, east Wolverhampton has welcomed thousands of children aged four to 14 to walk, jog, run or volunteer every Sunday morning. It has become a regular part of family life, creating a welcoming environment where children can be active, build confidence, make friends and celebrate their own achievements. Alongside the young people are parents, grandparents and local people volunteering, all playing their part in making the event a positive and inclusive community experience.
How hip hop and Bhangra are helping local communities tackle inactivity and social isolation
By Ryan Ellis, Rammael Curtiss and Rhys Hunt
A community-led fitness programme in Wolverhampton is helping people from diverse backgrounds become more active and socially connected by combining exercise with cultural music and dance traditions. The Free Fusion Chair Beatz Movement & Chai Sessions, organised by the Wolverhampton-based Ethnic Minority Council (EMC), aims to engage individuals who may not normally take part in conventional sports or fitness activities. Offering seated and standing options, the sessions cater for all ages and abilities, and ensure organisers are able to provide a fun and welcoming environment that encourages long-term participation. Read more.
Wellness Running Club helps residents discover confidence, connection and recovery
By Anthony Williams
A simple idea to get moving outdoors is making a powerful difference to the lives of people recovering from addiction in Wolverhampton. Founded by Run2Happiness with the support of SUIT (Service User Involvement Team) and Recovery Near You, the weekly ‘Wellness Running Club’ sessions in West Park provide a welcoming environment where people of all abilities can walk, run and connect with others, while improving both their physical and mental wellbeing. Read more.
"The therapy on the pitch is amazing!" - How cricket has come to mean so much for one GP
By Malaika Khan and Amy Lloyd
A Wolverhampton-based GP has pledged her support for the new Sport for Change Wolverhampton initiative, after revealing how becoming a cricket player and coach transformed her life and reinforced her belief in the broader health and social benefits of sport. Gurjeet Malhi says cricket was something she admired from a distance while growing up. She attended a Wolverhampton comprehensive school and would watch matches on television during her lunch breaks, fascinated by the sport but feeling it was out of reach. Read more.
ConnectSport CIC launches 'Sport for Change Cities' pilot programme in Wolverhampton
By Rony Omar
ConnectSport CIC has launched the first in a series of online hubs showcasing how community-based groups and organisations within specific UK cities are using sport and physical activity to drive positive social, health, environmental and economic impact. The project is being backed by the University of Wolverhampton and Wolves Foundation, and includes a free-to-join directory of local organisations who are doing amazing work in under-represented or disadvantaged communities, but often lack marketing and communications capacity or resources. ConnectSport CIC helps to train students from the University to tell stories and create content about these organisations. Read more.
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