Sport
A COMPETITION to raise participation in sport and physical activity among Leigh’s black and minority ethnic groups culminated in a smashing table tennis final.

On Tuesday finalists pushed their ping pong skills to the limit as part of the first ever Active World Table Tennis Tournament.

Organised by Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust (WLCT) the month long competition was part of the borough’s Active World project which aims to break down sporting barriers faced by black and minority ethnic groups and increase participation in the wider community.

Former Irish table tennis champ Jonny Cowan was on hand to offer some top tips.

Jonny, now assistant Chief Executive of Greatersport - the Greater Manchester Sports Partnership - said: “When I was younger this is what it was all about; having fun and making friends. But also Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust has a whole host of opportunities through their Sports Development Unit that can now connect these guys with teams.
► Read Active World Table Tennis Final release in full...

Physical Education
A new group has been set up for young lovers of the great outdoors.

The Young Actioneers is giving teenagers the skills and qualifications to lead sessions in sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, mountain biking, archery and other outdoor activities.

Young people can gain accreditation on the project from organisations like the British Canoe Union and the Royal Yachting Association.

The group has been set up by the Wigan Council Children and Young People’s Services (CYPS) Outdoor Education Team, thanks to a grant from Sport England via SHAPE (Sport, Health and Physical Education), the multi-agency programme launched in September last year to improve the health, well-being and quality of life for residents of the borough.
► Read The Young Actioneers story in full...

Health
It’s healthy, it’s fun and it’s united the world in rhythm for thousand years. Now Britain’s favourite social activity - dance - will be celebrated in style at the borough’s third annual Dance Fusion festival.

Organised by Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, the festival takes place in two halves this year. Dance Around The World will bring a global celebration of music and movement to Leigh Indoor Sports Centre at Leigh Sports Village on Thursday 27th March.

From 1pm to 7pm dance enthusiasts can join in a series of free workshops designed for beginners to budding Alesha Dixons.

Lowton Youth Dance Group will start the proceedings with a demonstration of modern styles followed by a workshop for parents and young people. The fun then continues with a series of free dance workshops and demonstrations from around the world including Indian, Turkish, Cuban, English, Spanish, Brazilian, North American and European.
► Read the Let There Be Dance story in full...