The Met Office is forecasting another warm summer this year, with a higher-than-average chance of hot weather lasting until July. So we could be in for some more of the intense heatwaves that we saw, for example, in 2022.
At the same time, from the Euros 2024 to the Paris Olympics, the Cricket World Cup, Tour de France and more, we can all look forward to an exciting summer of sport. But you don’t have to be organising an event on a global scale to need to take into account the comfort and safety of spectators during hot weather.
And, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the potential hazards associated with heatwaves include heatstroke, dehydration, heat exhaustion, sunburn, possible kidney damage and more. Those especially at risk include very young children and older people, plus anyone with a chronic underlying health condition.
Remember also that UV rays can pose a threat to health even on cloudy days.
The obvious answers to staying safe include minimising time spent outdoors where possible, not stinting on sunscreen, staying hydrated and wearing a hat.
But another idea if you run a local sports facility is to fit a spectator canopy to protect people from the worst of the elements, whether that’s the beating sun, rain showers or biting wind. After all, extreme weather can make for a miserable experience when watching a sports fixture, sucking all the pleasure out of the occasion.
What’s more, you can colour-coordinate to match the shelter to your club strip or school colours, or to blend in seamlessly with the surroundings – these structures are highly versatile.
Players will also benefit from having somewhere to shelter, either during training breaks or when they’re not playing in a game.
Additionally, canopies offer some protection for sports equipment against weather damage.
There are many different ways to use sports canopies. They can go over the pitch itself to protect players and prevent light pollution from floodlights, or they can cover multi-use games areas (MUGAs) to provide access to sports all year round. Or they can go by open-air pool areas for shelter when people are not in the water.
Overall, these shelters mean more people can enjoy exercising outdoors for longer.
At Kensington Systems, we provide quality sports canopies which offer a covered area for spectators or other visitors, allowing clubs to create a more comfortable environment for those watching games. (In the long run, this also enhances revenue.)
The hidden gutters and downpipes on our robust, long-lasting models safeguard against flying balls and other sports equipment. What’s more, the aluminium canopies we fit are very low-maintenance, plus all groundworks are included in the price that we quote.
And it’s not too late to fit a shelter so you have it in place for this summer at your school, sports club or similar organisation. Get in touch today for an initial conversation and a quote.