Local residents are invited to discover a new sport, get active and celebrate the 2026 Commonwealth Games during a weekend of free activities (18th & 19th July) at Better Leisure Centres across Cumbria.

Better has partnered with Team England to host a Commonwealth Games-inspired Open Weekend, giving people of all ages and abilities the chance to try a wide range of sports and fitness activities completely free of charge. The event is open to both members and non-members, making it the perfect opportunity for families, friends and individuals to experience everything their local leisure centres have to offer.

Participating Better leisure centres across the region including Penrith, Kendal, Appleby and Ulverston Leisure Centres as well as Windermere Outdoor Adventure Centre will offer their own programme of free or reduced priced activities, giving residents the opportunity to experience the spirit of the Commonwealth Games in their local community.

Visitors can take advantage of free health checks that provide advice on blood pressure, BMI, weight and exercise, adult and junior gym taster sessions and a range of fitness masterclasses including cardio, strength and conditioning, stretch sessions and beginner and advanced spin classes. Gymnastics sessions for under-fives and juniors will also provide younger participants with the opportunity to develop new skills in a fun and supportive environment.

Aquatic activities will feature strongly across the weekend, with water safety sessions for children and young people, family fun swims and Swim for All sessions designed to build confidence and encourage participation in the water.

Families can also enjoy a variety of recreational activities including pickleball, badminton, table tennis, crafts, board games and an Inflatable Zone featuring a bouncy castle.

The Sands Centre will also host an action-packed programme of activities headlined by the return of the Carlisle Triathlon, which is a paid pre-entry event. Now in its second year and delivered in partnership with Carlisle Tri Club, the event follows a successful debut in 2025 and welcomes both beginners and experienced athletes. Competitors will take on a 500m swim in the centre's refurbished pool, followed by a 20.4km cycle route and a 4.9km run, with all participants receiving a bespoke finisher's medal. More information about this event can be found at www.eventsupnorth.co.uk/event/2049

In addition to exercise classes, gym taster sessions and water safety sessions, there will also be Restart the Heart CPR training, helping participants build confidence and develop valuable lifesaving skills.

Families and younger visitors can enjoy a host of fun activities, including gymnastics taster sessions, Aqua Splash dual run sessions, Toddlers World, family fun swims, pool inflatables and foam blaster sessions.

Inclusive opportunities will feature strongly throughout the weekend, with junior wheelchair basketball sessions delivered in partnership with CWSC Panthers, alongside pickleball and senior water polo sessions aimed at older participants.

Alison Westworth, GLL’s Partnership Manage for Carlisle, said: "We're delighted to be partnering with Team England to celebrate the 2026 Commonwealth Games by giving local people the chance to try something new for free. Whether you've always wanted to learn a new sport, get back into exercise or simply enjoy an active day out with family and friends, there's something for everyone across the weekend. We hope as many local residents as possible will come along, have a go and discover what's available at their local Better leisure centre."

For anyone wishing to visit, it’s recommended that sessions are booked in advance due to limited spaces. Members can secure their place via the Better UK app or speak to the centre team. Non-members can participate by creating a free account via the app or online at https://bookings.better.org.uk/register, then simply book an available open day activity, or select an Open Day General Access Session.