Multicultural Sports Fest proves a winner in Exeter
Published: 7 September 2023
Diversity was the winner at a Multicultural Sportsfest that united hundreds of people from different backgrounds under the common theme of sport and inclusivity.
Organisers are celebrating the success of the event after multicultural communities from across Exeter, including refugees currently being housed in the city, came together for two days of sporting activity, games and fun at Wonford Sports Centre and Isca Academy.
People also travelled from as far as Plymouth and Taunton for the event.
The Sports Fest was a joint partnership between Live & Move (Exeter and Cranbrook’s Sport England Local Delivery Pilot), Inclusive Exeter, Devon County Council and Devon Philipino Community Association.
It included tournaments for volleyball, badminton, basketball, chess, Zumba and other physical activities. There was also table tennis, children’s parlour games, Rubik’s Cube and more.
Members of the following communities took part:
- Filipino communities
- Afghan communities
- Bengali communities
- Hong Kongers
- Two asylum seeker groups
- Other minority groups
Cllr Duncan Wood, Lead Councillor for Leisure Services and Physical Activity, who opened the event along with the Lord Mayor of Exeter, Cllr Kevin Mitchell, said: “It was a dynamic and inclusive event and it was heartening to see that so many people had a great time enjoying the activities on offer.
“The abilities and skills of teams and individual participants was impressive but as important was the friendly camaraderie throughout the two days that brought people from many cultures together.”