Basildon 'Mini-Olympics'

Eat your heart out Beijing --- Basildon is holding its very own 'Olympics' next month. Amateur athletes are being invited to compete in the biggest mass participation sporting event ever held in the district.

Youngsters of all abilities can go for gold in a medley of track and field events open to anyone aged 8 to 20 years old.

Dozens of young athletes are expected to pack out Gloucester Park athletics stadium when the competition, being called The Games, gets underway on Wednesday 28 May.

Entrants can go for glory in a range of athletic events including 100m sprint, 800m, long jump, high jump and shot put. There will also be 'para-Olympic' events for people with special needs or disabilities. Entrants can be aged up to 25 years old. The competition is being organised by Basildon Council, and will be overseen by professional coaches from Basildon Athletics Club.

Tracey Davies, sports development officer for Basildon Council, said: “We’re hoping to crown Basildon’s very own 'Olympic' and 'para-Olympic' champions in the run up to the Beijing Games. This is the largest sporting event we have ever organised in the district and hope it can become an annual fixture. We are inviting youngsters to compete at a top athletics venue against other athletes of the same age and ability. This is a fun way of getting young people involved in sport and hope it inspires more youngsters to take up athletics.”

Winners of each event will receive a medal and prize, as well as a place on the podium. There will also be prizes for youngsters who show sporting spirit. Entry costs £3. Competitors must complete a form available from TraceyDavies on 01268 465444 or tracey.davies@basildon.gov.uk.

These should be handed into Gloucester Park swimming pool by Wednesday 14 May. The event is also being run by Active Basildon.