Winchester prepares for 2012 Olympics (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Winchester prepares for 2012 Olympics

9:42am Wednesday 20th August 2008

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A LIVELY jamboree of sport, music and art will begin Winchester's countdown to the 2012 London Olympics on Sunday (August 24).

North Walls Recreation Ground will play host to a range of activities aimed at youngsters, including rugby, football and athletics taster sessions; an inflatable obstacle course; a giant screen featuring action from the closing day of the Beijing Olympics; and a drumming workshop.

The highlight of the event, dubbed the Big Live Your Dream Picnic by organisers, is expected to be a samba-style procession to The Broadway, which will be accompanied by a band of youngsters drumming recycled objects.

Outside the Guildhall an official Olympics handover flag will be unfurled and a specially commissioned Olympic-style torch, made by Denmead blacksmith Brian Charlesworth, will be presented to the Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Michael Read.

Eloise Appleby, head of cultural services at Winchester City Council, said: "Winchester got the 2012 bug the minute London's successful bid was announced in 2005.

"In July we saw Winchester Sports Stadium open for business at Bar End.

"We wanted to use the handover to celebrate the talent and energy of our own local sports clubs, but also to remind people that 2012 is about much more than sport."

Councillor Margaret Snaith, executive member for recreation, heritage and communities at Hampshire County Council, said: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with Winchester City Council to support the handover event.

"With the Olympics taking place on home soil in London 2012, this is the perfect time to engage with local people about getting active and reaping the benefits of an active lifestyle."

For more information about Sunday's events, which run from 11am-4pm, visit www.winchester.gov.uk/liveyourdream.

Young people keen to take part in the drumming band should ask their parents to call Sarah Moore on 01962 848231 or email liveyourdream@winchester.gov.uk.

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