Sportivate are using Parkour as a new way to engage and get young people more active as a challenging alternative to traditional sports and activities clubs.
Not every young person is going to join the school football/basketball team but that doesn’t mean they have to stay home playing XBox all day. Parkour encourages self-improvement on all-levels, challenging physical and mental limits and is said to be a great way to build confidence and self-discipline, whilst also promoting a sense of play, environmental awareness and freedom of expression. And if that wasn’t enough – parkour looks SICK when executed well.
Alli Sheldon, 26, has been participating in Parkour for almost 3 years. He admits that his first experience of Parkour made him feel afraid – challenging him to contemplate physical activities he just didn’t think he was capable of!
3 years later, Alli recognises that Parkour challenges you to go beyond your comfort zone and encourages a new sense of self awareness and potential.
Sportivate Parkour London is supported by the lottery fund and allows 14-25-year-olds free 6-8 week beginner Parkour/Freerunning courses. Since it’s 2011 launch, 60% of the Sportivate participants have continued with the sport and are now part of the Parkour Youth Academy, some of them even going on to complete formal Parkour coaching qualifications.
If you’re thinking of getting involved, check out: www.parkouruk.org, www.westminster.gov.uk/sport If not, watch this video and then definitely check them out!
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