Olympic Games countdown marked by open weekend

HUNDREDS of residents across Essex celebrated the one-year countdown to the start of the London 2012 Olympics last weekend, by joining in with various challenges.

During an open weekend, Dunmow’s Paralympic gold medallist Dan Bentley was on hand at the councils headquarters in Chelmsford to show just how his expert sport, Boccia – a form of bowls for wheelchair bound athletes, is done.

That was just one event across the county as people were offered the chance to take part in 50 different of sporting activities and art and cultural events, creating the chance to try something new.

Essex County Council cabinet member for education and the 2012 Games Cllr Stephen Castle said: “Open weekend has provided a great opportunity for our residents to get involved, get active and enjoy the excitement building towards the London 2012 Game.

“I’m delighted to see that the communities in Essex have embraced the celebrations and have organised such a variety of activities for people to try”.

The open weekend, July 22 to 24, was part of a nationwide celebration as the Olympics moves ever closer.

For more information on the games and what they mean for Essex visit essexlegacy.org.

WE want to know what YOU are doing for the Olympics! Send us your news, views and any pictures to reporter-sport@archant.co.uk.