A taste of Royal Navy sport for HMS RALEIGH

HMS RALEIGH hosted its termly NAVYfit festival on Wed 26 & Sat 29 Jul 23 with a total of 10 different sports on offer.

The aim of the festival was to introduce new sports to Phase 1 and 2 trainees, with the added opportunity to identify potential talent to represent the Royal Navy in the future. 

This terms NAVYfit festival was a first for many participants as HMS RALEIGH hosted several different sports and activities including, tennis, fencing, indoor climbing, nordic skating, powerlifting, hockey, boxing, badminton, water polo and golf. 

In total, over 200 trainees were introduced to sports and activities they had not previously tried, with coaches delivering at an extremely high standard. 

LPT Harrison Utton-Smith said, “Mr Steve Penberthy not only delivered an excellent boxing session for both days but also assisted the PT staff in organising the festival, which was an amazing opportunity for all trainees that participated.”

PO Raynes, LPT McClenghan and AB Trewhela delivered Golf at China Fleet Country Club, which allowed trainees to use the facilities and gain exposure to the services the China Fleet Club has to offer Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel. 

All coaches for both days provided extremely insightful and educational sessions, which provided a great insight into the sporting opportunities available in the Royal Navy. 

All coaches reported that the trainee’s enthusiasm is what made the sessions much more enjoyable for them to deliver. Prizes were presented to the individuals who impressed the coaches with their aptitude to learn and enthusiasm. 

LPT Harrison Utton-Smith said, “The PT department would like to thank Mr Steve Penberthy for his assistance of organising the event, all coaches and sports associations that delivered their respective sport, and to the VIPS, Lt Cdr Cullen and Lt Davies for presenting the prizes.”