'I don’t know about you but I can’t wait to get back outside and feel the sun and breeze on my skin!' says British Naturism 's new Sports Officer, Ian Munt.
We have lots going on this year and there is more planned, none of which would be possible without the help and support of volunteers in BN and our member clubs, and so a huge thanks from me to everyone involved. I am still looking for regional sports officers, so if you have some spare time and would like to help, please contact me for a chat.
National Swimming Gala Saturday 22 April, Hertfordshire
The British Naturism Swimming Gala is open to British Naturism Members and guests from British Naturism Member Clubs.
Whilst it is run as a competition it is also a fun place to allow members to have a try and challenge themselves. There is always a great atmosphere. You do not have to be a competitive swimmer to take part. The majority of races are two lengths of the 25m pool and there are categories for ages from under 10 to over 75, including some team relays.
National Pétanque Tournament Saturday 29 April - Sunday 30 April, Norfolk
This year our National Tournament will be hosted by Broadland Sun Association near Norwich. As with the gala, this event is also the qualifier for the INF International event held in early September. Our tournament is open to all and requires a team of two. All BN members or members of a BN Member Club are welcome to participate. Play starts on Friday with the final on Sunday. Come and enjoy a full weekend of activity and entertainment including live music!
Anyone for Miniten?
After a hiatus from BN’s events Miniten is back! Miniten (Mini-Tennis) was devised in the 1930s by Naturist Douglas Ogden, a Manchester businessman with an interest in sporting activities, who drew up the original rules of the game. In 1966 a group of Naturist enthusiasts in the south of England set out to formalise these rules. Eventually the aim was achieved and The Amateur Miniten Association of Great Britain (AminA) was formally constituted as the controlling body. The game is virtually the same as tennis but the court is only 1/3 the size and the racket is replaced with a wooden bat called a “Thug”.
Block your diaries for this year’s Miniten National competition on Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th July at the Naturist Foundation (Kent), coinciding with the first weekend of Wimbledon! The competition is open to all and the format will be Mixed doubles. Details to be announced at the beginning April.
Sports Taster Sessions for Beginners
Have you ever wanted to play Miniten or Pétanque but have shied away because you're not sure how to play, or worried it’s too competitive? Well, worry no more. With the support of BN member clubs around the country, we have arranged taster days, so that all BN members and members of BN clubs can go along and try the sports and make new friends.
At the time of writing the following clubs have committed to holding events:
Pétanque - TANDO, Northumberland (8 April), Valley Club, Yorkshire (10 June)
Miniten - Naturist Foundation, Kent (14 May), Diogenes, Buckinghamshire (24 June)
Find details of how to book, and see what other facilities may be available, and keep an eye out for announcements of more taster days. We hope you will enjoy having a go, and that it will encourage you to join in the National events; there are all levels of play, and you could also find yourself representing the UK at the International Pétanque tournament!
Sport in the News
JOG ON! I am currently working with regions to host 5k runs. We are discussing them with venues and hope to have a couple of events this year - keep checking the website for further information.
WALK ON! We have a new walks coordinator in YEM region; a big welcome to Sarah White who has been prepping walks through the Winter. Sarah has been walking from the Yorkshire Sun Society and has some great routes planned; the club will also make a great base for anyone who wishes to travel further afield for a walk. Day visitors are welcome to camp, bring a caravan or motorhome, and they also have a static caravan to rent.
BN Member Clubs
Do you have sports competitions or fun days which are open to all BN members? Let me know and I will help to promote them. Contact me too if there are other sports that you would like to participate in.
Image - thanks to Yak El-Drouble