Youngsters mark Olympic handover

12:05pm Wednesday 27th August 2008

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SPORTS-mad children flocked to Winchester's North Walls Recreation Ground on Sunday (August 24) to begin the city's countdown to the 2012 London Olympics.

Inspired by the success of Team GB in Beijing, youngsters descended on the ground to enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of sports taster sessions.

A drumming workshop was also held to get children in rhythm for a procession to The Guildhall, where an Olympic handover flag was officially unfurled.

Around 100 children - banging objects such as buckets, watering cans and seed trays - took part in the march from the recreation ground to The Broadway.

Southampton-based Waterside Lion Dancing Club put on a lively and colourful display before its lead member handed over a specially commissioned Olympic-style torch - made by Denmead blacksmith Brian Charlesworth - to the Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Michael Read, on behalf of the Chinese community.

Earlier around 1,000 people enjoyed a picnic on the playing fields behind River Park Leisure Centre.

Children tried their skills at football, rugby, athletics, netball and tennis while their parents watched the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics on a giant TV screen.

"We were delighted to do something like this," said Cllr Read.

"We're a small city and we wanted to involve the public as much as possible.

"It's important that people feel part of the games especially as Weymouth will be the sailing centre for the 2012 games. Every community should have a chance to feel part of it."

As well as sports the activities at North Walls also included a climbing wall, trainer throwing, orienteering, reading and puppet making.