REINVIGORATE – STARCITY ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
Nominations Address: 32 Watson Road, Birmingham, B7 5SA
Involved Partners: Fladbury Paddle Club, Canal and River Trust and Starcity.
In February 2022 Tom Barnes, Park Manager was approached to facilitate the event at StarCity along the canal side where we are fortunate enough to have a pontoon provided by The Canal and River Trust. The idea for this community-based event was established by Aliur Rahman and Andy Train whose background in delivering projects and sessions for community wellbeing, and getting local residents to use the canal waterways by Bell ating , kayaking and canoeing.
StarCity were delighted to support the event. Our very first Women’s Bell Boat Regatta took place on 20th March 2022 at Starcity Birmingham, this was supported by Fladbury Paddle Club, Canal and River Trust and Starcity. The 18 teams which 16 Women’s teams and 2 children’s teams participated each with 10 participants 8 paddlers and 2 subs. This event had a diverse community come and enjoy a day out, which was much needed after what has been a difficult two years impacting on people’s mental and physical health as a result of the covid pandemic. This event wasn’t only bringing the community together, the participating teams in the Bell Boat races also raised funds for a charity that helps restore better sight and wellbeing for those in need. It was the very first of its kind for all women, also commemorated International Women’s Day, key impact on women’s health and wellbeing, encouraging, empowering and motivating, taking ownership for women to get involved lead and volunteer in the delivery of the Women’s Bell Boat Regatta. The event saw women of all ages to come out be part of the event, that otherwise would not have had been motivated to participate in a competition or event. As a result of the Women’s Bell Boat Regatta event, an award was received from Canal and River Trust for the Community wellbeing event an amazing achievement.
We are now looking to extend the project with a proposed Children’s Regatta, to be hosted again at StarCity in September 2022.
