Games Makers are the incredible volunteers that will help to facilitate the nation’s biggest annual sports day this summer.
Led by Team GB – the national fitness event will take place on the 24th August and will feature a wide range of free and fun activities to get people of all ages and abilities active.
But it wouldn’t happen without the help of the Games Makers – dedicated fitness enthusiasts who will be sacrificing their time to make the day as brilliant and inclusive as possible.
We spoke to some of these inspirational volunteers to find out why they’re so passionate about making their communities more active.
Craig Mason has represented his country in taekwondo three times. He can’t wait to share his passion for sport with the wider community.
What is it that you love about sport?
I love that sport, quite simply, makes you feel better- physically, mentally, and spiritually.
I took up my sport relatively late at 39 years old, but I’m able to teach, train and compete at a national level. It’s filled a hole that was missing in my life.
I took my then five-year-old son to join a local taekwondo class, and after a couple of weeks at watching I thought, “I fancy a go myself”, the rest is history.
I went through my colour belts to black belt, student to teacher (although I’m still learning), and now I’m looking forward to being a Games Maker.
Why are community events like this so important?
They encourage everyone to try new sports, to get involved, to get moving and active. My taekwondo clubs are a family drawn from our local community, and it’s fantastic for events like this to bring more people in, whatever their background.
It brings people together, gives them a focus, and the opportunity to be better.
People meet others in their community they might not otherwise have encountered. Taekwondo in particular gives students self-confidence, self-control and the ability to interact with others in a positive way.
Why do you think more people need to be active?
Activity improves fitness, tackles obesity, and promotes a healthy lifestyle. Everyone knows that, but it’s also about better mental health, self-confidence, improved self-worth, respect for yourself and others.
Sport can do that.
It’s about being celebrated when you win and being supported when you don’t. It’s about being better than you were yesterday.
What has been your biggest sporting achievement?
That’s a tough question. I have represented my country three times in the TAGB Taekwondo World Championships, all of which were very proud moments for me.
However I’m most proud of helping my taekwondo students grow and flourish.
Seeing students who are able bodied, or disabled, confident or shy, bloom and reach their potential is incredibly satisfying.
Taekwondo means the way of the hand and foot, and it’s about mental and physical training.
I love that it’s an equaliser, everyone starts at their own individual level and progresses at their own pace. It truly is a sport for anyone and everyone. All ages, physical abilities and backgrounds.
It requires a commitment, but if you’re prepared to put the effort in, there’s no sport more rewarding. I also love that it’s a sport that can last throughout your lifetime. You’ll never be too old to practice taekwondo.
I am Team GB
Toyota has teamed up with Team GB to re-launch the hugely successful participation campaign ‘I am Team GB’.
Inspired by the achievements of Team GB athletes and the amazing efforts of local community heroes, Team GB has created ‘The Nation’s Biggest Sports Day’, which will take place on the 24thAugust.
Over the weekend, there will be hundreds of free and fun activities across the country, put on by an army of volunteers; the ‘I am Team GB Games Makers’.
To Join the Team and be part of The Nation’s Biggest Sports Day sign up at: www.IAmTeamGB.com
Source: Read Full Article