Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire – Thursday 5th June
North Yorkshire Sport hosted an unforgettable day of fun, fitness, and empowerment as over 300 secondary school-aged girls gathered in the heart of Dalby Forest for a vibrant wellbeing event designed to inspire confidence, connection, and build a positive relationship with movement and physical activity.
The event welcomed girls from across the county, many of whom are not regularly active, to explore a wide range of inclusive and engaging activities. From high-energy dance sessions and dynamic games of Kin-Ball, to creative arts and crafts in the entertainments village, the day offered something for everyone—regardless of experience or ability.
A highlight of the day was the inflatable obstacle course, which brought laughter and teamwork to the forefront, while the entertainments village buzzed with taster sessions and artistic expression, creating a festival-like atmosphere.
The pinnacle of the event was the spectacular Colour Course, where two waves of 150 girls each took on a 1.5km route through the stunning natural beauty of Dalby Forest. As they ran, walked, or danced their way along the trail, bursts of colour filled the air, creating a joyful celebration of movement and self-expression.
“This event was all about creating a positive, pressure-free environment where girls could try new things, have fun, and feel good about being active,” said Ruth Whitehead, Youth Engagement Manager at North Yorkshire Sport. “The energy, smiles, and sense of community were truly inspiring.”
‘This is our third year at the festival, and what is really good about it is to keep seeing all the young people come along and I think they get so much out of coming for the day because it’s a bit of fun and there’s such amazing people here to do things, activities and things to help…it has been really good and the last two years have been amazing.’ – Laura Harper from North Yorkshire Police
‘Being outside in nature really calmed me down and the colour run was definitely my favourite thing’ – Talia, student attending the festival
The wellbeing event is part of North Yorkshire Sport’s ongoing commitment to increasing physical activity and promoting mental wellbeing among young people, particularly those who may face barriers to participation.
Five Ways to Wellbeing at the Event
The event was structured around the Five Ways to Wellbeing, ensuring a holistic approach to the girls’ experience:
Connect: The event fostered connections among the girls through team-based activities like Kin-Ball and the inflatable obstacle course, encouraging them to build new friendships and strengthen existing ones.
Be Active: With a variety of physical activities such as dance sessions, rugby, and the Colour Course, the event emphasised the importance of staying active in a fun and engaging way.
Take Notice: The natural beauty of Dalby Forest provided a perfect backdrop for mindfulness and appreciation of the environment, helping the girls to take notice of the world around them and enjoy the moment.
Keep Learning: The entertainments village offered opportunities for the girls to try new activities and learn new skills, from arts and crafts to various sports, promoting a sense of achievement and growth.
Give: The sense of community and support was palpable, with girls encouraging each other throughout the day. The event also highlighted the importance of giving back, as many volunteers and organisers contributed their time and effort to make the day a success.
For more information about future events and initiatives, visit www.northyorkshiresport.co.uk or follow North Yorkshire Sport on our social media channels.
