A record crowd took to Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium Podium on Saturday to get involved in the ProActive Islington Sports and Cycling Festival, supported by Islington Council.
More than 15,000 people took advantage of the huge range of activities and entertainment aimed at promoting healthy living.
Cllr Ursula Woolley, Islington Council's Executive Member for Health, said: “It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying themselves at the ProActive festival.
“The health and fitness message is an important one for all of us which is why the council invests heavily in leisure in Islington.
“I know a lot of people had the chance to try new sports on the day and many visitors took up the great health and fitness advice on offer.”
In its fourth year, the ProActive festival catered for all ages, backgrounds and skill and fitness levels.
The event showcased a number of sports and activities including volleyball, urban squash, archery, capoeira and free running.
Michelle Stroud of Islington Netball Club, who credits last year’s festival for getting involved in the sport, said: “Our players had a great day.
“The crowd loved out demonstration and I answered a lot of enquiries from people who wanted to join the club.”
The Cycling Zone, featuring crazy bikes tryout and flatland BMX stunt riders, and Sports Zone, boasting penalty shoot outs with Arsenal in the Community, climbing walls, rowing challenges and interactive sports demonstrations, proved particularly popular.
The Family Area and Health and Dance zones were also well received.
Organisers have already turned their attention to the 2010 festival which they hope will be bigger still.
Page Last Updated: 23 June 2009