Former minister’s praise for festival

Cathedral nave transformed into sports centre with activities such as badminton, table tennis and many other games. FL; 8 year old Ethan with his mum Elaine play Badminton in the nave of the Cathedral.

Published on 30/07/2012 11:19

A FORMER Government minister has praised St Edmundsbury Cathedral for transforming its nave into an action-packed sports arena.

Sir Eldon Griffiths, former minister of sport and MP for Bury St Edmunds, said the ‘bold and unprecedented’ move should be repeated by cathedrals across the country.

Hundreds of people descended on the two-day Festival of Sport to try activities such as table tennis, badminton and Paralympic sport Boccia, which was made possible after the pews in the nave were removed.

In a letter to the Bury Free Press, Sir Eldon said: “Too many of our churches are empty. By opening the cathedral for sport and all other lawful activities, the Dean and Chapter of St Edmundsbury’s best know place of worship are doing their best to fill them again.”

At the event, people could also try their hand at foam javelins, small hurdles and archery.

The festival was organised in partnership with Abbeycroft Leisure and local sports clubs with support from Intersport.

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Former minister’s praise for festival

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