Parkour sessions hosted at the urban sports facility in Solitude Park, Banbridge on Sunday 9 October have proved to be a high-flying success despite the inclement weather. Some 25 children and young people aged 5 to 15 jumped at the chance to come along and try out this thrilling adventure sport.
This event – the first of its kind in the borough and a follow-up to the hugely popular Skate Jam event held in June this year as part of National Go Skateboarding Day – has been organised by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council in conjunction with the PCSP team and local youth workers.
Parkour, also known as free running, is a high-energy, action-packed urban sport that involves getting from one point to another in the most fluid way possible. Participants use running, jumping, climbing, and a vast array of specialist movements to overcome obstacles while building strength, power, fitness, and endurance.
Speaking about the event, Lord Mayor Councillor Paul Greenfield said: “Recognising the fast-growing popularity of urban sports, I’m delighted that we are increasing opportunities for young people in the borough to participate in outdoor sporting activities which they would not normally do.
The young people who took part in the sessions had an enjoyable and exhilarating experience, moving around the park, jumping over obstacles, leaping to new heights and developing new skills and techniques under the supervision of qualified coaches. Feedback has been very positive.
We’re committed to becoming an urban sports-friendly borough and hope to organise more events like this in the future.”
