Holme Pierrepoint welcomes 9,000 on open day

The National Water Sports Centre at Holme Pierrepoint opened its doors to the public last week to send out the message that the facility can be used by everybody, and not just elite sports stars. The centre, one of Sport England's four National Sports Centres, comprising Lilleshall, Bisham Abbey and Crystal Palace, welcomed 9,000 people for the first in what will become an annual event targeted at getting as many people as possible to try the facilities. Organised by management company, Leisure Connection, the open day offered free entry and access to Holme Pierrepoint's water and land-based activities, including water skiing, windsurfing, white water rafting and quad biking. Session prices ranged from £3 to £5 per person. Business manager at the Nottinghamshire centre, Helen Chambers, commented: Our facilities are open to everybody, whether they play a sport for the country, the region, or just for fun - experience is not an issue. The open day exceeded all expectations. From the feedback received, the thousands of people had a great time trying all the different activities and now people know where we are, they will be able to come and use our facilities and courses in the future.