Badminton is a perfect way to bring together Exeter’s diverse communities

Published: 30 November 2022

Free physical activity sessions designed to support Exeter’s diverse communities are taking place at locations across the city.

The sessions are organised by Inclusive Exeter, which brings together groups and individuals from diverse communities across the city.

The community-led organisation holds and facilitates activities and events to improve relationships between communities and local and national services, fostering better integration and reduced isolation.

The physical activity sessions are organised in partnership with Sport England’s Live & Move project and encourage people to make physical activities a regular part of their routine.

They help to bring people from ethnically diverse communities and heritage together in Exeter for a range of activities at times suitable for people who often work unsocial hours.

Cllr Josie Parkhouse, Lead Councillor for Leisure and Physical Activity, attended one of the badminton sessions as part of 12 Moves in 12 Months – a year-long challenge aimed at boosting wellbeing and activity.

12 Moves champions some of the amazing community groups and organisations in Exeter who are supporting people to be more active in their daily lives.

On Sunday afternoons between 2pm and 4pm badminton sessions are held at Wonford Sports Centre.

Cllr Parkhouse said: “These session are intended to support ethnically diverse communities in Exeter but are open to everyone to come along and enjoy a free session at the sports centre and to socialise and just have fun.

“This is a great opportunity for people to come together without the barriers that sometimes exist in coming to the gym. It’s not just about physical activity – when people come together like this they improve their wellbeing and mental as well as physical health.

“It’s clear that people really enjoy and value these sessions.”    

Mahsin Mahbub, Physical Activities Coordinator at Inclusive Exeter, said: “The badminton sessions are very popular and we have a good number of people attending from a range of communities in Exeter.

“People of all ages attend the sessions, it is a great opportunity for people to come together, to socialise and enjoy themselves.”

Other physical activities organised by Inclusive Exeter include:

Park walks - these take place in different parts of the city, often in Exeter’s beautiful Valley Parks.

Women’s Yoga - sessions take place at the Mint Methodist Church in Fore Street, Exeter. Every Tuesday 11am – 12 noon and Thursdays 1-2pm.

Zumba for All – sessions are free on Saturdays 4pm to 5m at Newtown Community Centre, Belmont Park, Belmont Road, Exeter.

Women’s Zumba – sessions take place 4.30pm-5.30pm on Tuesdays at Wonford Sports Centre.

A full list of activities and more information on Inclusive Exeter is available online. More information is available on the Live and Move website.