04/07/10 - Street Games / Parachallenge Festival

Justin Tomlinson MP with former 400m relay world champion Derek Redmond

Swindon hosted the South-West regional Street Games / Parachallenge Festival for the first time on Sunday 4th July at Dorcan Rec.

The festival, organised by Swindon Borough Council's Leisure Services and Youth Services teams in partnership with youth sport development charity StreetGames, is designed to give young people from disadvantaged communities the opportunity to experience the thrill of taking part in a major sporting event and also try sports they may not have tried before.

The festival saw competitive tournaments including football, netball and basketball, as well as Parachallenge events in Powerchair football and Ability Counts football.

Taster sessions were also on offer which are designed to encourage young people to explore different sport options will be available in archery, climbing, tennis, cycling, frisbee golf, power kiting and wheelchair basketball.

The day was a bumper sports event with a wide variety of sports on offer, that really lived up to the belief that sport should be accessible to all young people, regardless of physical ability or how much money they have in their pockets.

Also Access Day at the track was hugely successful - please see link below for video clip and pictures.

http://www.swindonweb.com/index.asp?m=40&s=0&ss=0&c=7958

Justin Tomlinson MP, "I was delighted to attend this brilliant event. Combining the Parachallenge with the Street Games, helped transform Dorcan Rec into a hive of activity. Yet again Swindon Borough Council is leading on providing opportunity, enjoyment and engagement through sport."