Hundreds of Children Join Festival of Sport
About 1,300 school children are invited to the Bristol Festival of School Sport and Culture, which starts today at the University of Bristol's Coombe Dingle sports complex.
As well as more common sports they will have the chance to try everything from judo, baseball and ultimate frisbee to American football, lacrosse, handball and cheerleading.
More than 100 volunteers and coaches from the university will be passing on their expertise and tips.
The youngsters can also take part in juice and smoothie-making sessions and compete for their own bronze, silver and gold medals, as well as the Olympic School Spirit trophy.
Today's opening ceremony will be performed by sixth-form dancers from Oasis Academy John Williams and a cheerleading display from students at Brislington Enterprise College tomorrow.
Those inspired to reach the top can meet Danny Talbot, a 19-year-old 200m sprinter who is aiming for a Great Britain team spot for next year's Olympics.
Now in its third year, the festival encourages healthy living and a greater participation in sport. It gives young people a chance to try different sports and experience the excitement of a major sporting event.
It is hosted by the university and supported by Healthy Schools Bristol and the city's three school sport partnerships – the John Rutley Sports Fund, Bristol City Council and The West of England Sports Trust.
The festival is also part of the RELAYS 2012 Inspired programme, which involves young people in sporting and cultural events in the run-up to the London 2012 Olympics.
Robbie Fox, from the RELAYS project team at the university, said:
"The festival forms an important part of the city's community and sports development by providing a range of opportunities for young people using the Olympic and Paralympic values as inspiration."
Jason Gardener, who won a sprint gold at the 2004 Athens Olympics and is a RELAYS sporting ambassador, said:
"The RELAYS Bristol Festival of School Sport is a truly fantastic event. Events of this quality should be available to more young people in the region."
The festival will be held from 9.30am until 3pm Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (4th, 5th & 6th April).
Orginal Article: http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/Hundreds-children-join-festival-sport/article-3404971-detail/article.html
