Young Sprinters to Show their Speed in Front of Linford Christie

Budding athletes will aim to show a clean pair of heels to shoppers when they take part in the latest Street Athletics event in the town centre on Saturday 14th June.

The free youth engagement programme is run by Linford Christie and the Olympic legend will be coming to Wharf Green to run the rule over the next promising batch of sprinters keen to show they have speed to burn.

Street Athletics was first held in Swindon five years ago and is aimed at disengaged, disaffected young people aged under 20. It targets youngsters who are not engaged in mainstream sports and who can benefit from the confidence and motivation that comes from taking part in a positive community sports experience.

The event will see young people tackle 60m sprints in four different age groups – U13s, U15s, U17s and U20s. It is hoped those competing will take inspiration from the event and take advantage of local sports clubs and sports facilities.

There are prizes available for those taking part and the top three male and females from each group will then go on to compete against young people from 10 other cities in the Street Athletics national finals in Manchester on Saturday, 30 August.

The event has been organised by Swindon Borough Council, in partnership with inSwindon and Nuff Respect.

Cllr Keith Williams, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Leisure, said: “Street Athletics has become a popular fixture in our summer sporting calendar here in Swindon and I’m delighted we are once again welcoming Linford back to the town.

“Projects such as this are a great way of engaging with young people and Street Athletics can give those that take part a real focus and help to increase participation in sport.

“I would encourage any shoppers who are in the town centre next Saturday to pop down to Wharf Green and give some support to those taking part.”

Linford said: “Street Athletics is an amazing project now in its 10th year. We have seen thousands of young people taking part in races across the country.

“For us it began on the streets challenging other kids from other estates to race against us and if we hadn't done that we never would have got to where we are today.”

Registration for Swindon Street Athletics takes place between 12noon and 1pm on the day, with the races taking place between 1pm and 3pm.

More information is available from Doug Imrie on: 01793 465405. Alternatively, please visit www.streetathletics.co.uk