19/03/09 - Challenge Swindon Festival Of Sport Set To Be A Knockout

Cllr Justin Tomlinson With Lucy Bolton, Olympic Beach Volleyball Team

Companies in Swindon are giving the Festival of Sport a big push and the new Its A Knockout contest looks set to be a hit.

So far nine teams have signed up for the tournament, which will take place at LydiardPark as part of the action-packed weekend on Saturday 30 May and Sunday 31 May.

The Festival of Sport, now in its third year, is an extravaganza of physical activity featuring a host of sports tournaments for adults, along with scores of free activity taster sessions for everyone.

Competitive tournaments for individuals and teams on 30 May include tennis, tag rugby, football, volleyball, angling, badminton, hockey to name just a few. Registration is now open and the deadline for entries is Friday 8 May. People of all ages will also have the chance to try a wide variety of free activities at Coate Water Country Park on 31 May, such as sailing, canoeing, archery, Nordic walking, Tai Chi and croquet.

Lingerie company Triumph International, based in Groundwell Industrial Estate, Swindon, and Mercedes Benz of Swindon, in Drakes Way, are both entering teams in the event.

Purminder Mondair, Marketing and Communications Manager at Triumph, said: Were thrilled to be taking part in the Festival of Sport again this year. Its a fantastic opportunity for work colleagues to come together, enjoy some exercise and, most importantly, have a great time. We will be entering the netball tournament and also teams for the Its A Knockout event, which is proving particularly popular among staff.

Mike Sands, General Manager at Mercedes Benz Swindon, said: This is the first timeMercedes-Benz will take part in the Festival of Sport and our Its A Knockout team is looking forward to some great fun. Taking part is important, as isthe support the rest of the dealership staff is giving to the team - it really pulls us together. On top of that, it will be great to get involved with other businesses from the town. We hope the competition will pull in the crowds tocome and enjoy the event and have a laugh at our expense.

The Festival of Sport is part of the wider Challenge Swindon initiative, led by Swindon Borough Council, which aims to increase participation in sport and physical activity. This should help achieve the target of getting half the population doing 30 minutes of physical activity three times a week by 2020.

Cllr Nick Martin, Cabinet Member for Property, Leisure and Recreation, said: This year has already been full of challenges. In the current economic climate, it is easy to forget the importance of taking regular exercise and also making time to have a bit of fun. Thats why the Festival of Sport makes the perfect solution if youre looking for an incentive to get active, along with the chance to have a great time with family, friends and work colleagues. With so many different activities on offer during the action-packed weekend, from volleyball to tag rugby, badminton to angling, there really is something for everyone.

Cllr Justin Tomlinson, "I have been heavily involved in this event since it's conception and I hope as many local residents and community groups / teams join in - it is a great excuses to have fun and exercise! Hope to see you down there!"

http://www.challengeswindon.org.uk/challengeswindon/festivalofsport.htm