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This Summer hundreds of local teenagers showcased their talent by getting involved at the SX Urban Games 2011.

Inspired by the London 2012 Games, this year teens across the county took part in alternative sports such as stunt skating, BMX stunting, streetball, breakdancing, football freestyle and much more.

Essex County Council along with the organisers of this year’s Chelmsford SX Urban Games hoped to raise the profile of these exciting sports as well as encourage the youth of the county to develop their talent and skills in alternative sports and activities. The programme got off to a great start with hundreds of participants at the SX Urban Games in Chelmsford, Southend , Harlow and Brentwood in July and August. Events will also take place at Colchester (14 August) and Basildon (19 & 20 August).

Cllr Stephen Castle, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Education and the 2012 Games commented, ‘I’m delighted at the response we had to this year’s Urban Games and the amazing talent that was on display. We are all so excited about the one year count down and the games coming to our county, this has been a fantastic way for Essex to celebrate and come together through sports not usually associated with the London 2012 Games’.

Antony Bensley, Senior Sports Development Officer at Chelmsford Borough Council and organiser of the Chelmsford SX Urban Games added: ‘The day was a great success with around 300 attendees. Particularly popular was Parkour with participants from aged 6 to 40 taking part in the two ‘come and try’ sessions. The audience were also treated to a demonstration by the club members from Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre, led by coach Brad Wendes from Team Kinetix . There were also various competitions run throughout the day. A great day was had by all!”

Councillor Joel Charles, Harlow Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community & Citizenship, said: “We have a fantastic free state-of-the-art skatepark in our town. It’s important that we use facilities like this to provide opportunities to introduce young people to new and exciting activities”.

Kevin Read, Leisure Officer for Southend-on-Sea Borough Council and organiser of the Southend SX Urban Games added: “Once again, Southend’s Urban Games proved popular with hundreds of spectators and participants experiencing a range of activities, from street dance and break dancing to freestyle basketball and football. The whole day was full of thrills and excitement and clearly an enjoyable day was had by all”.

The SX Urban Games ran each weekend across various locations from Saturday 23 July to Saturday 20 August for teenagers, families and adults.

Each events was organised by their local Borough Council in partnership with Essex County Council’s 2012 Legacy team, who together are worked to promote new activity to young people inspired by the London 2012 Games.

For more information visit: www.sxurbangames.co.uk