Summer of Sport
We are celebrating a Summer of Sport with the annual Find Your Active Festival and a huge range of free and low-cost local sports and activities throughout the season.
![Decorative image showing Summer of sport website banner](https://basildon.gov.uk/image/12104/Summer-of-sport-website-banner/gi-responsive__100.jpg?m=1721307904650)
This summer of sporting excellence inspires us to get active, and there are so many low-cost and no-cost activities across the borough for people of all ages and abilities.
Each week, for nine weeks, we will publish a timetable of activities available across the borough, to encourage local people to discover a new sport or hobby.
Find the timetable of activities for week one and week two to the right.
![Decorative image showing Summer of Sport FYA banner](https://basildon.gov.uk/image/12107/Summer-of-Sport-FYA-banner/gi-responsive__100.jpg?m=1721313216377)
Find Your Active festival
The Summer of Sport concludes with the annual Find Your Active Festival, taking place on 21 September 2024. This year's theme is 'Celebrating Diversity and Empowering Wellbeing' as Basildon itself marks its 75th anniversary.
This unique event offers local people an opportunity to take part in free taster sessions of new sports and activities - supported by community groups and teams based in the borough. Following two successful events, this year's festival will host a range of providers, including Essex Indians, Abula Games, Essex Pedal Power, Flex Youth Club, South Essex Gym, Kidz Busterz, Vita Minds and Yoga4All to name a few.
The event will take place at Basildon Sporting Village from 10am to 2pm. There's no need to book, just drop-in with your family and friends on the day!
Photo competition Winners
We have our winners!
Councillor Jack Ferguson, Basildon Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport & Community, announced the Summer of Sport photo competition winners, he said "I am delighted to announce Martin's bike trial submission secured our first place prize, both his skills on the bike and how he captured the photo really celebrates our Summer of Sport ethos."
![Decorative image showing Summer of Sport Photo Competition finalist images](https://basildon.gov.uk/image/12192/Summer-of-Sport-Photo-Competition-entry-all/gi-responsive__100.jpg?m=1725460022240)
2nd Place - Family tickets to Vue Cinema Basildon - Emily Webster
3rd Place - Bespoke sustainable made Bug Hotel - Paula Cornwell
4th Place - £50 Love to Shop Voucher - Caroline Lionel
Prizes kindly donated by our partners - Everyone Active, Morgan Sindall Property Services, Basildon Vue and 4Site Implementation Ltd.
Sporting stories
Basildon's Women Together initiative has long been dedicated to integrating vulnerable women from diverse backgrounds into a supportive community - addressing challenges such as isolation, domestic violence, and poor mental health.
Recently, they have made significant strides in uplifting the community through their "Learn to Ride Cycling Sessions."
Supported by Basildon Council, Basildon and Brentwood Health Alliance, and Trailnet, this programme provided a 6-week course led by female instructors to teach women, many of whom had never learned to ride a bike, new skills and confidence.
By offering suitable kit and clothing, the sessions reduced barriers to participation and fostered a supportive, fun environment where women could connect and combat social isolation.
This initiative not only equipped participants with cycling skills but also created a welcoming space for vulnerable women to build friendships and feel part of a special community.
Discover more local sporting activities at www.basildon.gov.uk/summerofsport.
We're shining a spotlight on Mark Foster, the legendary swimmer hailing from Billericay! Mark's journey from local pools to the world stage exemplifies his extraordinary talent and dedication.
Over his career, Mark competed in five Olympic Games, with standout performances including a memorable 6th place finish in Sydney 2000.
His achievements extend beyond the Olympics, featuring six World Championship titles, two Commonwealth gold medals, and numerous European records. Known for his explosive starts and pioneering the "underwater pullout" technique, Mark revolutionised sprint swimming.
His influence goes beyond the pool as he has inspired young swimmers and contributed as a sports commentator and mentor.
Mark's legacy as a true icon in the borough and an inspiration to swimmers continues to shine brightly. Let's celebrate Mark Foster's incredible contributions to the sport and the lasting impact he has made.
Max, who trained at Basildon Sporting Village, has become a symbol of dedication and excellence in gymnastics. From a young age, Max demonstrated exceptional talent and drive, quickly rising through the ranks of British gymnastics.
His impressive career includes multiple Olympic and World Championship medals. Max's remarkable achievements include his historic wins at the Rio 2016 Olympics, where he became the first British gymnast to win gold in both the pommel horse and floor exercise.
This Olympics holds special significance as it marks Max's final appearance before retirement, adding an emotional weight to his performance. His journey from local training grounds to the global stage is a testament to his hard work and determination.
If Max's incredible career has inspired you to take up gymnastics or any other sport, Basildon Sporting Village offers programs for all levels, from beginners to experienced athletes. For more information visit Basildon Sporting Village | Gym, Swim, Climbing & More | Everyone Active
At just 13, Sky Brown made history as Britain's youngest-ever Olympic medallist winning bronze in Women's Park Skateboarding at Tokyo 2020. Her journey to the top is nothing short of inspiring.
Born in Miyazaki, Japan, to a Japanese mother and British father, Sky started skateboarding at a young age and quickly became a prodigy in the sport. Her incredible talent, fearless attitude, and infectious energy captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
Sky's achievements extend beyond the Olympics, including notable wins at the X Games, where she secured a gold medal in 2021, and triumphs in the Dew Tour and Vans Park Series. Her career is marked by daring tricks and innovative maneuvers, such as the "kickflip indy" and the "frontside 540," which have become her signature moves.
In a triumphant return to the Olympics this year, Sky won bronze in the Women's Park Skateboarding finals at the 2024 Olympics, solidifying her status as a skating icon and a role model for young athletes everywhere.
Inspired to skate? Check out our fantastic skateparks! The new Lake Meadows Skatepark is a firm favourite, and there are plenty of other parks across the borough to explore.
We're shining a spotlight on the incredible Alison Drake, a phenomenal springboard diver and 100m butterfly swimmer who learned her skills right here in Basildon at Gloucester Park Swimming Pool!
Alison competed in three Olympic Games, making her mark with spectacular performances. Her career includes four World Championship titles and three Commonwealth gold medals, highlighting her exceptional achievements in diving.
Alison also set a world record in the 3m springboard event, demonstrating her unmatched skill and dedication.
Known for her remarkable technique and competitive spirit, she pushed the boundaries of her sport, achieving new heights and setting standards for future generations.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Alison has been a dedicated coach and mentor, sharing her knowledge and inspiring the next generation of swimmers and divers. Her unwavering commitment and remarkable accomplishments make her a true hometown hero and a source of immense pride for Basildon.