Hundreds of sailors and Royal Marines attended the first ever fitness festival at Devonport Naval Base in Plymouth.
The new event was so popular, attracting more than 350 personnel to try a multitude of sports and activities, that the event will now be held annually.
NAVYFit Festival launched at HMS Drake and at other naval establishments countrywide in order to promote fitness and other sporting and adventurous activities among naval personnel.
The event was combined with the final of the Devonport Sports Trophy competition.
Petty Officer (Physical Trainer) Danielle Setterfield, an organiser of the Devonport festival, said: “This event has been very exciting as it is the first time the Devonport Sports Trophy Competition has been accompanied by other Navy Sports associations and it is so good to see such a great response.”
Personnel were encouraged to taste activities from Navy sporting associations who promoted their sports including surfing, canoeing, snowboarding and martial arts.
The annual Devonport Sports Trophy competition involved volleyball, rounders, tug ‘O’ War and five-a-side matches led by volunteers from the Royal Navy Sports Association, physical trainers and staff from HMS Drake.
NAVYFit is a Royal Navy wide initiative launched this year aiming to reinvigorate a healthy and active lifestyle for military personnel.
Colour Sergeant Taf Anderson, of the Royal Marines Martial Arts Association, and his colleagues introduced attendees to basic skills of Kendo, Tai Kwando and Karate professionals and amateurs.
He said: “NAVYFit pushes knowledge of sport associations to attract members.
"We are happy to work with our military personnel, regardless of rank and experience in the sport.
We are excited to attract new members to come and enjoy martial arts and NAVYFit provides the perfect opportunity to get more people involved.”
