Volunteers Needed to Help Set Hula Hooping Record in Wrexham

A fitness instructor is rounding-up volunteers for a world record attempt at Glyndŵr University Wrexham.

Sasha Kenney wants more than 500 people to join her outside the university sports centre on Plas Coch campus for the largest ever hula hoop workout.

The attempt forms part of the inaugural Wrexham Fitness Festival, which will place at the University on Saturday October 3rd. The event welcomes community organisations, families, students and instructors for a day of sporting celebration.

Born and raised in Slovenia, Sasha now calls North Wales her home and is looking forward to appearing in the Guinness Book of World Records for a second time having hula hooped the entire 26.2mile course of the London Marathon two years ago.

Featuring different areas appealing to people of all ages and backgrounds – there will be a fitness zone, chill-out zone and kids’ zone in the sports hall – Sasha is adamant that this will be the first of many fitness festivals in the town.

Sasha said: “I’ve worked with many sports organisations and instructors during my time in Wrexham and thought it would be a good idea to celebrate what we have here in the town. I want to encourage the people of North Wales to get moving, and tying this festival in with the world record attempt is a good way to do that.

“It will also be fun, which is so important to me; being fit isn’t all about thin bodies it’s about having a lovely time with friends and family in a comfortable atmosphere.”

Sasha added: “I thought Glyndŵr University would be the perfect place to host the festival because of its sporting tradition and facilities. Hopefully we will get plenty of people there on the day and break that world record, as well as celebrating what Wrexham has to offer.”

Professor Graham Upton, Interim Vice Chancellor at Glyndŵr University, joined Sasha in encouraging the community to get behind the record attempt.

“We’re delighted to be hosting this festival and world record attempt and wish Sasha every success on the day,” he said.

“Sport plays a big part in university life and we have some leading courses in this sector so it’s apt that we play our part in making this event a success for years to come.”

The world record attempt takes place at 12pm but there will be an official warm-up at 11.45am and free hula hoop lessons at 10.30am. Participants to not need previous hula hooping experience.

The sports centre itself will be made-up of three zones; the active zone showcases 30-minute classes by instructors from the local area, including body balancing and fit steps. The chill-out zone provides space for people to relax and enjoy coffee, nutritious drinks and smoothies, and the kids’ zone gives children a place to enjoy themselves, adorned with flags to be decorated with messages championing sports and fitness.

“I started with this small idea and it’s just grown and grown,” said Sasha.

“We have volunteers and sponsors but if more people want to get behind us and support Wrexham fitness Festival please get in touch.”