New sports festival aims to 'Activate' Lambeth residents

A major 'Festival of Sport' that will kick off Lambeth's countdown to the 2012 Olympic Games is being held on Saturday 5th September, and Lambeth residents are being invited to put on their sports kit and get involved.

Kennington Park will play host to Lambeth's first annual borough-wide sport and cultural festival - Activate 2009.

The free festival, which is being organised by Lambeth Council, will give visitors young and old alike the opportunity to 'have a go' at Olympic and Paralympic sports such as tennis, rowing, cycling, badminton.

Local sports clubs will be on-hand on the day to offer training and support as well as advice for those who want to join a club to continue with their chosen activity. There will also be a focus on health and well being with stands offering Body MOTs, vascular screening or healthy food and drink options.

The Activate Festival is the first of a series of sporting and cultural events planned between now and the 2012 Games. The festival is Lambeth Council’s showcase event to encourage everyone to take part in healthy positive activity as part of its 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games programme.

Cllr Rachel Heywood, Lambeth Council’s Cabinet member for Culture and Communities, said: "The Activate Festival will be a great opportunity for people of all ages to come and try out new sports, learn about sports clubs in their area and even join a team.

"Coaches and players will be on hand to offer advice and information about a range of sports, from fencing and handball, to taekwondo and ice hockey. With the Olympics in London rapidly approaching we want to encourage as many people as possible to get active and involved in sport."

The festival runs between 12am and 5pm in Kennington Park and all are welcome.

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• See more details on Activate 2009.
  

Published on 20 August 2009