ORGANISERS of the historic Wychavon Parish Games are moving to shed more light on the competition and calling for more participation in the event from Evesham’s community.
The games originated some 44 years ago in 1978, when the Wychavon Sports Council was dissolved, and invites local parishes to compete for bragging rights in 15 sporting events in summer.
Active competitors battle across events including rounders, cross country, football, angling, petanque (French boules), table tennis, bowls, and bell-boating while less active participants get stuck in with crib, pool, darts, skittle and dominoes.
The less strenuous activities make up the knock-out events while the more active sports are the preliminary rounds.
When the Wychavon Sports Council was disbanded, a team of volunteers from the organisation saw the benefit of continuing the event under the theme of ‘competition and community coming together.’
Since then volunteers have continued to develop the competition, under the leadership of people such as Gary Robinson, Richard Preece, Sue Collins, and others who have given their time to increase involvement.
Despite fierce competition from participants in many wards and parishes across the district, organisers say little is known about the games in Evesham and the group are determined to chance this.
Wychavon Parish Games is encouraging the eight Evesham town wards of Abbey, Avon, Bengeworth, Fairfield, Great Hampton, Little Hampton, South and Twyford to take part.
A spokesperson for the Wychavon Parish Games said: “For a competition to still be in existence after 44 years is a “feat in itself”.
“In Evesham there has been little involvement over recent years from some wards, so we would like to see that change.”
Currently, organisers estimate that approximately 1,300 people compete across the 15 events, with approximately 26 to 30 parishes and wards taking part.
As part of the organisers call for new participating parishes in Evesham, they are highlighting the need for ward contacts and team contacts who help with organisation of events.
Ward contacts are needed for every ward and are responsible for helping teams organise who participates in events. Participants for each ward must be made up of residents from that area.
Team contacts are responsible for recruiting new members for events and help ensure participants are where they need to be on event days.
The spokesperson added: “”It isn’t just a committee who should take the plaudits for this success.
“The organisation has a number of volunteer parish and ward contacts who instigate interest in the competition.
“They are the focal point of activity and without their help, the parish games would potentially go into decline.”
Trophies are given for each event with a silver salver given to the parish with the most points. An award of merit is given to the parish which enters all events without winning one.
The winning ward hosts the awards ceremony in their respective parish.
As it stands, the first event (rounders) is scheduled for June 22 and the final event (angling) is scheduled for September 13. Other dates to be decided.
Visit https://wychavongames.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/groups/577151340438783 for more information.
