Downham Games going from strength to strength, says organiser

With just over three months to go until this year’s Downham Games, organisers have hailed the success of the annual sporting event.

Now in its eighth year, the community event, which offers a variety of taster sessions and competitions, will take place on June 9 at the Memorial Fields in Downham.

Organiser Frances Rayner said the event started in 2012 to help the community celebrate the London Olympics, but she never believed it would have such longevity.

Frances said: “One of the key objectives of the Games is to get people involved in new physical activities and sports in the hope that it will inspire them to want to go on and do more.”

Ryston Park Golf Club made its debut appearance at the Games last year and offered a chipping competition with prizes on offer for juniors and seniors who scored the most points.

Casey Cook, 12, was a junior winner who went on to make the most of his prize – golf lessons and a temporary junior membership to the Ely Road-based club. Following this, he was so inspired that he now has his own membership and continues to play.

“Casey is a prime example of how well this can work, and we are really proud of the outcome that came specifically from Games day,” Frances said.

“This success story is one of many and we hope that, through this great publicity, others will share with us their story so that we can have some measure of success of this fabulous day.”

The Games has evolved year-on-year to keep it successful. While many of the key activities have remained the same since 2012 – including the athletics event which returns this year – events such as golf have been added to the timetable.

Besides the £1 fee for children and £2 for adults for athletics, everything else remains free of charge.

“This is so important to us and all of our sponsors because we want to create opportunities for individuals and families that have no financial barriers,” Frances added.

“Whilst we have a couple of food stands people can come along without the fear that they need lots of money to have a good time or have their children’s expectations raised by expensive activities that parents really cannot afford.”

Frances said any clubs or coaches who would like to attend and promote activities are asked to get in touch.

Last year more than 700 people attended, she added.

“There are many more Caseys out there – we just need to help them find the physical activity that will inspire and motivate them to do more.”