Linking the community, sports associations, and council to rejuvenate our 'tired' outdoor sports areas.
I am the Chair of Exeter & District Basketball Association, but more importantly born and bred in Torbay, I have spent over the last 30 years serving our community either as a volunteer or in paid employment. Through my life I have seen the benefit that sports provides for both individuals and the community, and increasingly during the COVID pandemic we have realised how important our outdoor areas are.
Torbay is no different to other areas, and improvement has to come as a joint effort between the council, community, businesses and sports associations, there are even funds that can be 'tapped' into, but you need to demonstrate fundraising as well. Hendon and Brighton have recently transformed their basketball courts, and there is no reason why Torbay cannot do the same.
My vision is that we have public outdoor sports areas we can be proud of (starting with the basketball courts in Victoria Park, Paignton and Lymington Road, Torquay), these areas once transformed can be utilised by the local community and events planned to invigorate sport in our community.
It is important to note that these areas are utilised by the community of Torbay and belong to the community, if we are successful in our campaign we intend to then move onto adjacent areas in Victoria Park and convert to 'multi use' areas for sport with appropriate flooring - this will make the area more central to the community that we live in.
I have already made links within the council (who confirm there is matched funding availability), identified external funding pots, and liaised with Basketball England for guidance.
If you can spare even a few pounds each, we can transform Torbay's outside areas - the 'ball is in your court', and finally, who doesn't love a ROAST (Rejuvenating Outdoor Areas, Sport Torbay).
Thank you for sharing my vision with me, please remember, if if you cannot afford to donate, share, support and follow the Crowdfunder and Facebook page.
Karl
This project successfully funded on 29th March 2021