SPORTS clubs from across Droitwich Spa say they hope the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games has a positive impact and brings in new members through the doors.
A variety of sports will take centre stage during the 11 days of competition, both in the Second City and at other venues, and to a billion-strong audience around the world.
The treasurer of Droitwich Athletics Club, Martin Smith, said the games being so close had the potential to help.
“We are doing well at the moment but are always looking for new members.
“And we have noticed an upsurge before in the past with more people joining around the time of the Olympics and Commonwealth Games – particularly if Team England do well.
“It being nearby also certainly helps with the new state-of-the-art Alexander Stadium – it’s great for Birmingham and the rest of the Midlands.”
Droitwich AC currently has 100 members and youngsters not included in that figure.
The club has recently held its 10k race and will be holding its half-marathon in October.
Dave White, the head coach at Droitwich Dolphins swimming club, worked for ten years in England Talent Development.
During that time he coached both swimmers and para-swimmers who went on to glory at the Olympics and Paralympics, World and Commonwealth games.
He has worked with Rebecca Redfern who won silver at both the Tokyo and Rio Paralympics.
Droitwich’s Matt Richards, also a former Dolphin, took gold in the Tokyo Olympics in the 4x200m breast stroke relay.
Droitwich Dolphins, which celebrated its 60th anniversary this year, is ever-expanding and, Dave said, had grown by a third since pools reopened after the pandemic.
“The last presentation night we held was the biggest the club had ever seen.”
And, with the town set to get a new £25million leisure centre and with the extra swimming coverage on prime time
TV, Dave hopes it will encourage even more people to get in the pool.
A ‘Day of the Dolphins’ event being hosted by the club later this summer to encourage youngsters to give the sport a go.
People can visit droitwichdolphins.co.uk for more on the swimming club and droitwichac.co.uk for further details on Droitwich Athletics Club.
