Two new sports groups have been created thanks to the success of the Isle of Wight Council’s Return to Sport initiative.

Lee Matthews, Community Development Manager said:

“We are really pleased that our Return to Sport courses are proving so successful. The courses offer people a relaxed and informal environment in which to reacquaint themselves with a sport they may not have played for years, they also welcome people who are new to sport.”

Return to Sport has attracted so many new players that new badminton and squash groups have been created to cater for demand.

Rew Valley Badminton group and a Ladies Squash mix-in group at Westridge, Ryde are now meeting weekly, providing the new players with the opportunity to develop their skills in a fun, social playing environment.

The Isle of Wight Council’s Return to Sport courses, which last between six and ten weeks, aim to increase the number of adults regularly participating in sport on the Island by offering affordable introductory courses which encourage adults back into sport they have played previously or into new sports. So far, the initiative has offered courses including squash, badminton, rowing, table tennis, athletics, golf, bowls, netball, tennis and yoga.

Cllr George Brown, Isle of Wight Council cabinet member for the economy, leisure, planning and property said:

“The recent creation of two new groups as a direct result of the Return to Sport initiative is great news and we hope that the number of people taking part in sport on the Island will continue to increase throughout 2009.”

“I am particularly pleased that my own sport, rowing, features in this initiative.  The Island makes an outstanding contribution to GBR’s Olympic Gold and other international sailing achievements.  It would be good if all our water sports could reach similar prominence.  Sporting success is built in pyramids, with dedicated amateurs of all ages forming their bases. The Isle of Wight could, and should, produce more and more Olympic sailors and rowers (as well, of course, as the cyclists for whom the Island ought to be a training Paradise).”

The next round of Return to Sport courses commence on 19th January 2009, and further courses will be arranged throughout the year. Details of these and the badminton and squash groups can be found at by clicking on ‘get active’ at www.iwight.com/sportsunit or by calling the Sports Unit on 01983 823818.

Anyone interested in joining one of the new sporting groups should contact:

Badminton
Rew Valley Sports Centre, Ventnor
Wednesdays, 8pm to 9:30pm
All ages (16+) and abilities welcome
£2 per evening
Just turn up on the night
Contact Sports Unit on (01983) 823818

Ladies Squash
Westridge Centre, Ryde
Mondays, 7.20pm onwards
All ages (16+) and abilities welcome
Come along, mix in and have a go!
Contact Sue Phillips on (01983) 882150