Sunday, 28th September 08

Pride Games began with a Mountain Biking expedition from Sheffield to Manchester over two days and it was timed to arrive back in Alexandra Park at the Games first ever opening community festival. There was rapturous appaulse and cheers as the bikers arrival signalled the start of the 5k run and charity fundraising community relays. One man ran all three legs of a communiuty relay in three different outfits, yet only one leek!! Forty two families anjoyed the busy family zone, Salford Reds professional rugby palyes helped us try rugby league, the climbing wall attrated a very broad crowd from the local area and there was some great food and coffee by the MooCow Boys, Shaun and Mike. Sunday eveing saw a swim session and our first Scottish Ceilidh (country dancing).

Many regualr club nights are promoted as tasters during Pride Games and a significant increase in new members was reported. Other highlights of the week included orienteering coupled with archery (amazing) we could have sold this many times over! Our 2nd Aquathlon was another success with some comical antics on the night - a sight to behold. Friday evening was accreditation at AXM and the opening ceremony with dignatories from Trafford, followed by a firework display - very spectacular!

Then we went into what LGF described as Super Saturday, when many of the tournaments take place. We had our first squash tournament, first mountain biking event and our first short course swim event, all were very well received.

Sunny Sunday saw our first single circuit 10k run, the first anywhere Community Health Trainers Parlour, The Co-operative Wheel of Fortune, Line Dancing by Prairie Dogs (Fab!) and a doubled in size Bell Boat Regatta that had to host a separate Youth Games heat because of the number of entries! Medals and cups galore!

A fantastic week was rounded off with a soothing Soiree at Arcobaleno in Jackson's Wharf, with live piano music, unexpectedly good complimentary wine and some delicious food. The perfect end to a damn good week. Thanks to all involved.