This year the UN’s official International Day Of Happiness, 20th March, falls on a Monday – not traditionally the happiest day of the week. In order to ensure such a cheerful day isn’t hampered by back-to-work gloom, people are being encouraged to get out and active in new and exciting ways the preceding weekend.
A Good Weekend, as the event is modestly named, runs from Friday 17th through to Monday 20th and the simple aim is to encourage people to spend their free time trying something new with their friends and family.
That can be almost anything – heading to a concert or comedy show, making art or learning a new skill – but naturally, we’re most excited by the idea of people trying a new sport. Here are a few of the best active pursuits to try as part of A Good Weekend.
Go On A Free Bike Ride
There are free user-organised rides arranged via British Cycling every weekend, catering for all abilities and styles of riding (MTB, road, mixed). Head to letsride.co.uk and enter your postcode to find one near you.
Try A New Sport With BBC Get Inspired
If you haven’t checked out the BBC Get Inspired website yet, why not? We all need a little inspiration in our lives. It’ll help you discover a new passion – you can try any of over 400 free sporting activities, with sessions all over the country and pitched at every level. bbc.co.uk/sport/get-inspired
Go Swimming Via Poolfinder
A Good Weekend is the perfect time to dip a toe into swimming, diving, synchronised swimming or water polo. Discover your nearest pool, lessons and clubs with the help of Poolfinder. swimming.org/poolfinder
Take A Parkour Class
If there’s one sport where it’s wise to seek some supervision as a beginner, it’s parkour. You do not want to make a mistake the first time you attempt to backflip over a wall. Luckily, there are loads of classes available to hone your parkour skills – head to Mpora for more info.
Sign Up A Green Gym Session
Fitness classes meet conservation in a combo that’s sure to please both body and soul. You might be surprised by how many calories you burn while planting trees or establishing wild ponds. It’s free, it’s active, it’s outdoors – what’s not to like? tcv.org.uk
Become A Parkrunner
Every Saturday many thousands of people around the country get together and run 5K in their local park with Parkrun. It’s free, and it’s the perfect way to try out running with other people. Find your nearest Parkrun at parkrun.org.uk and make sure you’re there on A Good Weekend.
Book A Deal
As part of the festivities, there will also be special discounts on offer for sporting activities at other times of the year. That includes some of the Human Race’s excellent events and skiing trips via Ski World. There is also the chance to get 20% off an Impact Marathon event. These incredible races take place in Malawi, Nepal, Colombia and Guatemala and involve participants visiting the charity projects they raise money for before tackling a unique run.
