Football was just one of the games played at Sports Break.
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A different
sort of games event took place in Norfolk over the Easter weekend.
The Sports Break
event at Norwich's Sportspark was originally an Asian games, but
during the weekend competitors from all cultures were invited to
join in the fun and try different sports including carrom and Asian-style
volleyball.
The first one
was held in Norfolk in 1989 and was set up so people could combine
a short break away with playing sports.
All
are welcome
In
1994 the organisers opened up the games to people from all backgrounds
regardless of cast, colour and creed so competitors could learn
more about different cultures.
Sports Break
organiser, Ashok Thakrar, says:
"In the past we used to restrict it to one community but now
we've broadened our horizons.
"At the
end of the day, sport is sport," he added.
Norwich
comeback
In
the last two years the event has been held in Kettering and Milton
Keynes, but it has come back to the county due to popular demand.
"All the
participants were asking for Norwich. Norwich seems to have a lot
of interest behind it," says Mr Thakrar.
"You mention
Sports Break and it's 'ah...Norwich'," he added.
Sports
activities
On
March 30 and 31, competitors took to the badminton courts, played
five-a-side football and six-a-side cricket as well as Asian-style
volleyball, while children tried out mini-tennis.
Families pitted
their wits against one another in a game of carrom, which originates
from India.
Up
to four competitors sit at a polished wooden board with four netted
corner pockets. The aim of the game is to flick all nine discs plus
the queen into the pockets using a striker disc. The person who
pots all their discs first collects the points.
Relaxation
and fun
Mr Thakrar, who
lives in Northampton, says the event was first organised for people
keen to combine a holiday with sports activities.
"Because
Norwich is a nice area of the country we thought we can have a holiday,
have some sports, have a break with some social activities and make
a long weekend out of it," he said.
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