Thamesmead 2012 Games

More than 400 Thamesmead residents joined Trust Thamesmead on Saturday 21 July in what was a day of fun and sports entertainment held at Gallions Park in West Thamesmead.

“It was a perfect day for both the Trust because we got to engage with residents, as well as families, who got to play games together and take part in sports activities right on their doorstep,” said Trust Thamesmead's Community Development Office, Janice Jones,” adding “Some residents didn't even know the park existed!”

The day offered gymnastic displays by Crossway Gym and street dance by Myztikal as well as workshops in Zumba and street dance with Theatre Street Performing Arts.

Staff from the Trust's two capital projects, Sporting Club Thamesmead and The Link Thamesmead were on hand to tell residents more about the capital projects which are opening in the autumn, as well as Trust Thamesmead's training and job search department Building Futures.

More Life engaged with 270 residents whilst offering health MOTs and Active Kids provided an assault course for children and Olympic sports including javelin. All this on top of arts and crafts sessions where people took part in t-shirt printing, drumming and making their own Olympic torches, on the day that Woolwich welcomed the Olympic torch bearers.

Janice added: “The level of engagement this event allowed us to undertake was outstanding.”

Thamesmead resident, Tania Teesand said: “Today's event was brilliant! We really enjoyed the band, information stalls and displays, as well as playing badminton! It was a beautiful day. Thank you for putting a smile on the community's face. We look forward to other events this summer!”

Each Trust Thamesmead engagement form that was completed was put into a prize draw, to win a pair of tickets to this weekend's Brazil Vs France, Women's Olympic Basketball preliminary round game. The winner, Julian Tavora who has lived in West Thamesmead for five years, couldn't be a more apt winner, “Julian is not only a huge fan of basketball but he is from Brazil too.” said his wife, Teresa, who picked up the tickets on his behalf with their 2.5 year-old daughter, Bella. “Julian has tickets to other Olympic basketball events but he was unsuccessful in getting tickets for the first day of basketball. He is really excited!”