This year's Ashby Sport Fun Day was supported by the Co-op during its official two-week celebration.

The Co-op fortnight runs until this Sunday (July 3) and the Fun Day's objective of introducing sport to a new audience - particularly the youngsters - fits in to the Co-op's aims.

Ashby Sport was founded last year with a view to bringing the town's clubs together and encouraging people to get involved.

The Ashby Sports Fun Day returned this year and is now part of the Ashby de la Zouch Town Council's official list of events.

Last Sunday's event urged people to come to the Bath Grounds and 'have a go'.

Axe throwing was one of the attractions at the Bath Grounds. Photos and videos: Ashby Nub News

The more popular sports were all represented - such as rugby, cricket, boxing, hockey and football - but there was also a chance to take part in the likes of croquet, drone racing axe throwing and archery, as well as netball, bowls and basketball.

The Co-op was there and backing one of its local causes, Ashby United Community Football Club.

Ashby United tweeted afterwards: "Thanks to Ashby Sport for organising, We did three training sessions starting with our school followed by under-eight and 10.

"We had lots of interest resulting in us being able to run three teams in some of our age groups."

Ashby Sport's long term aim is to provide a sporting facility in the town that could be used by multiple clubs.

Ashby Town Council discussed the success of the event at Monday's meeting of the Events & Entertainment Committee.

Town Centre Manager, Stuart Benson, said: "This was the first time Ashby Sport Fun Day had come under this committee.

"It was a very successful event and very well attended by the public.

"The event highlighted the varied sports clubs in the town and there were a lot of sign-ups on the day.

"It was really good."

The event will now be staged in Ashby on an annual basis.

Co-ops are one of the UK's best hidden success stories, smack-dab in the centre of some of the best and most ethical working environments in the UK.

Once a year, co-ops of all shapes and sizes come together to show the power of co-operation during Co-op Fortnight. 

This year the Co-op is doing something a little different. 

It feels like all of us need something uplifting. 

Something emotionally engaging. Some good news! 

The retailer is celebrating the diversity of its Co-op network so that everyone can see there is plenty of space for them to join in. 

Co-ops are a gift that gives back, no matter the nature of the business, the size, or the location.

So the #UnwrapCoops create energy. 

Sharing people's successes inspires others to take part. 

Stories emotionally engage people and creates interest in #WhyCoops are great for everyone.

Ashby Bowls Club held an open day as part of the Ashby Sport Fun Day

During the Co-op Fortnight, members' stories will be broadcast to inspire peoples' lives.

Which is why Ashby Sport Fun Day fitted in perfectly.

But there are plenty to choose from because co-operatives are some of the biggest undiscovered successes in the UK, worth £40bn to the UK economy.

And because they are owned and run by the people that need them, they are more resilient than other forms of business.

That is the thing about these stories. 

They are inspirational because they create buzz in a local community and give a solution that is actionable to those who have the same problems.