Merton Council’s leader hailed the borough’s first Big Sports Day a stunning success yesterday (Sunday, 24 September).

Councillor Ross Garrod said: “It’s been an amazing day and so good to see so many people enjoy themselves and get involved in activities. It’s been a stunning success. The day shows that Merton is more than ready to be London’s Borough of Sport.

“This is only the start of our journey and I hope this day acts as a springboard for more people in the borough to get involved in sport and activities whatever their age and ability.”

The Big Sports Day featured a range of free sporting activities including football, cricket, martial arts, BMXing, New Age Kurling and Rugby.

And a host of local sporting legends including Ray Stevens, who won his Silver in Judo in the 1992 Olympics and 92-year-old Jane Asher BEM went to the event, plus a cameo appearance by legendary bass player Jah Wobble.

Ray Stevens, former Olympic Judo Competitor and Silver Medallist, who now owns his own Martial Arts Academy and carried the Olympic torch on behalf of the borough in the run up to the London 2012 Games, said: “This event was a superb opportunity for Merton residents of all ages to get involved and try a wide range of sports. I’m a great believer in how beneficial exercise is for a healthy mind and a healthy body – and for me personally the key is to find a sport that you really enjoy doing where you are exercising and getting all the benefits in an enjoyable way!”

Swimmer Jane Asher said: “It’s brilliant that Merton held its Big Sports Day and I hope it proves inspirational to people young and old to get more active and involved in sport. I don’t compete as much now but still swim regularly.”

For more details go to www.merton.gov.uk/boroughofsport