Space hopper world record attempt in Grimsby
MEN, woman and children tried to bounce their way into the record books as they took to the track for a space hopper race in Grimsby.
Around 40 people took part in the event at King George V Stadium in a bid to set a new world record for the fastest 100m space hop.
But sadly the fastest time of 52 seconds, set by Conrad Broughton, fell short of the current world record of 30.2 seconds.
The world record attempt was just one of a series of sporting activities which took place during a family fun day at the venue.
Organised by Enfuse, a team of youth community development workers who are part of Voluntary Action North East Lincolnshire (Vanel), the event offered families a chance to try their hand at archery, skating, movement classes and new sporting craze VX.
There was also live music by Franklin College students and a variety of stalls.
Thomas Plaskitt, one of 10 young volunteers who make up Enfuse, said: “We are the youth team of Vanel and we are all under 25. Enfuse has been going a year and this is the first big event we have put on.
“We want to encourage people to get involved in sporting activities and this event is all about showcasing what goes on in our area.”
The space hopper races also provided an opportunity to drum up interest in this year’s Humber Hop, a sponsored race across the Humber Bridge on Sunday, July 27.
That event will raise money for the local YMCA’s Community Games project, an Olympic legacy programme which aims to increase sporting participation.
Jonathan Byrne, communications co-ordinator for the YMCA Humber, said: “We do fundraising events throughout the year and the money goes either to buying equipment or providing support for local communities to put on events like this one.
“We have put on talent shows for young children, we did a pancake race in February and the flagship event is the Humber Hop in July.”
Among the organisations represented at the event was Get Hooked On Positive Activities, which allowed visitors to try their hand at archery.
Since forming as Get Hooked On Fishing in 2007, the group has diversified into other activities, such as laser clay pigeon shooting, tennis, golf, laser biathlon, bush craft, orienteering, and archery.
Director Andy Smith said: “Anything that promotes family activities in the area is fantastic. We certainly need more events like this to unite the community.”
Ilias Briscoe, 6, from Cleethorpes, was among those to try archery for the first time.
His mum Helen, 44, said: “I think he enjoyed it and he hit the board a few times.
“It’s a good event. It’s free, it’s sporty and it’s something for the kids to do in the summer holidays.”
Another activity being showcased to visitors was the rapidly growing VX – a game which can be played in singles, doubles or teams, and which competitors aim to hit their opponents with a ball hurled from a stick.
Paul Hildreth, coach of the England squad, said: “VX started in Yorkshire and in eight years it has gone from nothing to being played in more than 20 countries, and has gone to about 8,000 schools in the UK.
“It is accessible to everybody and it is one of the few sports which males and females compete on an equal footing and where you have to sweat. It’s just non-stop and the kids don’t realise how hard they are working.”
