Sporty South Lakes' residents celebrate centre's 30th birthday (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Sporty South Lakes' residents celebrate centre's 30th birthday

12:30pm Friday 21st September 2012 in News By Daniel Orr, Reporter

MORE than 1,300 people wished a happy 30th birthday to one of South Lakeland’s most popular establishments.

lakes leisure Kendal celebrated the anniversary with an open day which led to more than £800 being raised for the Cumbria Talented Athlete Fund.

For the birthday party, all activities were £1 each with all proceeds donated directly to the campaign which helps promising athletes from the area further their sporting ambitions and possibly one day represent Team GB themselves.

One of the highlights of the day was lakes leisure Kendal’s very own medal count, with 200 medals being won at the junior Olympics which took place in the Westmorland Hall.

Youngsters inspired by the London Games competed in a variety of Olympic sports including javelin, sprint, long jump and even a penalty shootout with every competitor receiving a commemorative 30th birthday medal. There was even a real medal podium.

Lydia Wolstenholme, marketing manager, said: “We couldn’t have asked for a better turn out to celebrate our 30th birthday and we would really like to thank everyone who came along on the day.

“It was fantastic to see the junior Olympics in full flow and our medals certainly proved very popular.

“We are also very proud to have raised over £800 for The Cumbria Talented Athlete Fund, playing our part in supporting our local future Team GB hopefuls.”

There was a host of other activities including the swimming pool’s Splash Dash inflatable, a bouncy castle, Fitzone Gym and others attracted great numbers throughout the event with many choosing to try out all the activities on offer.

Cumbria Police and Fire Service joined in the party spirit handing out hats and even offered juniors the chance to dress as a police officer.