MORE than 1,000 people braved the threat of storms in weekends to help deliver another ‘hugely-successful’ Oswestry Community Games.

The event brings together community groups with sporting organisations to encourage people to take up something they have not done before.

Despite the variable weather forecasts for the day, Oswestry Community Games more than met organisers’ expectations with more than 1,000 people of all ages turned up to enjoy the free activities in Cae Glas Park.

Border Counties Advertizer: Children dancing in the performance area.

Live music was once again provided by The Bartells, who organisers said ‘lived up to their growing reputation’.

James Manford, lead organiser for Oswestry Community Games, thanked everyone for taking part.

He said: “It was a delight to be in our beautiful park.

Border Counties Advertizer: Kat Driscoll, guest of honour, playing pickleball

“And it followed our first-ever discussion event on Thursday night at Hermon Chapel on Thursday night on youth mental health when a good number of people turned up for an interactive and interesting discussion.

“Many thanks go to all our local sponsors – Oswestry Town Council, Oswestry Business Improvement District, Oswestry Sports Forum, Shropshire Rural Housing Association Bunning Gas and DRE Accountants.

“Thank you to all the club volunteers who have given their time today so willingly, and to David Davies who was again in fine form as our MC for the day.

Border Counties Advertizer: Oswestry mayor Cllr Olly Rose with Games volunteers.

"I would also like to thank Andy Hunt from Oswestry Photographic Society for undertaking his role, to Mal Molloy for his filmmaking, our Town Crier Phil Brown and to Sue Cameron, head parkkeeper and her team for making the park again look so good and relaxing place to be.

“Last but not least, my thanks go to my colleagues Kelly Clarke and Clive Knight, who worked tirelessly throughout the year to help me make this great community event happen again.”

Border Counties Advertizer: The Bartells play for the crowd.

Shropshire‘s Kat Driscoll, World and European gold medallist in Trampolining, threw herself enthusiastically into her role trying out a range of activities that she had not tried before as well as talking to many people.

Clive Knight added: “Many thanks to our Commonwealth Games Ambassadors, and local volunteers who played a key role helping with the running of the Games, including overseeing the raffle and charity boxes in support of Kat’s chosen charity Stroke Association.”

At the closing ceremony, Oswestry mayor Councillor Olly Rose thanked everyone for their support, and spoke about her work championing volunteering during her year in office.

Border Counties Advertizer: Youngsters fencing in the park.

Clive added: “Kat then made an inspiring speech about how all these activities help improve physical and mental health, and how important it is to be comfortable with who you are.

“Phil Brown, then played his part and closed the Games with his verse and inimitable style while the Border Counties School of Gymnastics provided a spectacular finale.”