Sunday 30th July 2023
Despite a rainy July day, JRF’s Summer Sports Jam at Bridgestone Arena NW10 went ahead, and was well attended by a large number of Brent residents.
The Summer Sports Jam event marked the end of JRF’s popular 9-month ‘Our Time Zone’ project – an Adults Sport, Social, and Health Club, funded by You Decide Brent Health Matters.
As well as a range of activities including Dance, Salsa, Walking Football, Dominos and Table Tennis, trial matches for the over 50s and 60s Caribbean team were held for the forthcoming 2023 Walking Football World Cup of Nations.
With many of the activities being held inside due to the unseasonal weather, the crowd had a chance to speak with some of the Health professionals in attendance, as well as seeking tips and advice from some of the qualified fitness coaches who have worked on the ‘Our Time Zone’ project, including Nines who delivers the Run Club each Tuesday.
A musical performance from award winning artist, Junior Giscombe, perhaps best known for his 1982 hit single, “Mama Used to Say” got the audience on their feet dancing and singing along to his well-loved hit songs well into the evening.
Feedback from those who have taken part in JRF’s ‘Our Time Zone’ project and who enjoyed the Summer Sports Jam Event included;
“A great event, good company, and community vibe.”
“It’s nice to have a place where adults feel valued.”
“Love coming to Brent. It’s such a beautiful moment seeing the older community so happy.”
“It may be raining outside but in my heart it’s spring.”
“We keep fit every Tuesday. It’s great for our mental health.”
Nines who runs the weekly Run Club added, “We set out to create a safe space for the local community to come to and have access to health checks and services they wouldn’t normally be able to reach. A lot of people need a push or don’t have the time. It’s great that the service meets the needs of the community and offers them a place where they can gather and socialise while keeping healthy. It’s a fantastic approach.”
Otis Roberts, CEO of JRF said of the Brent Health Matters funded project; “It has been and wonderful and eye opening nine months. From the engagement of the post-covid elders, to the female empowerment sessions, to the health workshops, and ‘Meet your GP’ sessions, this is just the beginning of something special in our Borough and we are particularly pleased that the local community have co-designed the project with us.”
