A Joyous Celebration at the Reeth & District Sports Association Children’s Sports Day
Today I had the pleasure of photographing one of the most joyful, energetic, and community-spirited events in the village calendar — the Reeth and District Sports Association’s annual Children’s Sports Day. Held at the Reeth Sports Pavilion and surrounding playing fields, this much-loved summer tradition brought together families, friends, and neighbours for an afternoon packed with classic races, laughter, and good old-fashioned fun.
The sports fields were buzzing with excitement as children of all ages took part in a brilliant variety of races and games. From the ever-chaotic sack race — with its inevitable tumbles and wide grins — to the egg-and-spoon race, where determination and balance were tested to the limit, there was never a dull moment. The images I captured show not just the action, but the joy, effort, and spirit of every child taking part.
Some of my favourite moments included the wheelbarrow race, where teamwork and coordination (or lack of!) resulted in endless giggles, and the skipping race, where a blur of legs and ropes whirled down the field. There was also a crawl tunnel challenge that had the younger children beaming with excitement, as well as the three-legged race, where bonds of friendship were literally tied together and tested over the finish line.
Even those not taking part were fully engaged — cheering from the sidelines, clapping, encouraging, and sharing in the joy of the occasion. And it wasn’t just the kids who made the day special. Local volunteers helped everything run smoothly, and the fantastic Reeth Brass Band provided the perfect soundtrack, bringing a traditional and heartwarming atmosphere to the afternoon.
What makes this event so special is the sense of community it creates and reinforces. It’s more than just sport — it’s about coming together, celebrating local life, and creating memories that will last well beyond the summer. Days like today remind me why I love photographing community events. Every smile, sprint, stumble, and cheer tells a story of togetherness and joy.
A big thank you to everyone who made the day so wonderful — the organisers, volunteers, families, and most of all the children, whose energy and enthusiasm brought the fields to life. I hope these photographs capture a little of the spirit of today and bring a smile to your face, just as the event did for all of us who were lucky enough to be there.
— Gray
