News

Hundreds of residents across Essex celebrated the two year countdown to the start of the London 2012 Games in style this weekend by joining in a London 2012 Open Weekend Challenge.

 London 2012 Open Weekend is a celebration which marks the two-year countdown to the London 2012 Games. Over 975 activities ran nationally from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 July and were all themed ‘set a challenge’.

Essex staged over 40 different sporting, arts and cultural events, creating the opportunity for people to try out new and different activities. From archery to abseiling, bell ringing to basketball- there were activities for all to enjoy.

 Cllr Stephen Castle, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Education and the 2012 Games said:

‘The quality of the Open Weekend events has been outstanding. I’m delighted to see that the communities in Essex have embraced the celebrations and have organised such a variety of activities for others to try. Open Weekend has provided a great opportunity for our residents to get involved, get active and enjoy the excitement building towards the London 2012 Games.’

 Seb Coe, London 2012 Chair, said:

‘Open Weekend will lead the nation into the two-year countdown to the start of the London 2012 Games with new personal bests being set right across the UK.

‘Open Weekend 2010 is another opportunity for thousands of people to join in with the London 2012 Games.’

 Highlights for Essex Open Weekend Challenges included:

Ramsdens got Tennis Talent
Orienteering at Hadleigh Country Park
Great Waltham Cycling event
Archery for all, Colchester
White Colne challenge

Essex County Council awarded 19 small grants to successful applicants that applied for funding earlier in the year. The funds were to help organise events for the community to enjoy.

Now in its third year, London 2012 Open Weekend follows the success of the past two previous years, in which over a million people across the UK unleashed their creativity across a series of sporting, art and cultural activities. see www.london2012.com/openweekend/ for a round up of national highlights.