Groups urged to join Skipton's Olympic celebration (From Craven Herald)

Festival of culture and sport to take place during Olympic torch relay

11:30am Saturday 4th February 2012 in News

Clubs are being urged to get into the Olympic spirit and take part in Skipton’s festival of culture and sport.

The one-off event to be held on Sunday, June 24, will mark the progress of the Olympic Torch as it makes its way through the town to the London Games.

The exact route of the torch is a closely-guarded secret, but the Skipton festival – expected to attract up to 10,000 people – will take place on the High Street ahead of its arrival.

The torch will then travel to Ilkley and on to Leeds before continuing on to the Games’ opening ceremony on July 27.

To bring the magic of the Games to Craven, joint festival organisers Craven District Council and Skipton Town Council are hoping clubs and organisations will want to take part in Skipton’s Olympic event.

Bruce Dinsmore, sports development officer, said it would be a great opportunity for groups to promote themselves.

“It’s going to be a fantastic day and all we ask is that groups put on a participatory event, display or performance to properly showcase what their organisation does.Preferably, the activity will allow people to have a go and could include some form of challenge.”

Dave Parker, chief officer of Skipton Town Council, said: “We would encourage as many groups as possible to get involved in what will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the town and for sporting organisations across Craven.”

Councillor Andy Quinn, district council chairman, said: “We are making the most of this historic event and want as many people as possible to be involved.”

Groups wanting to take part should call Rachel Wallbank at Craven District Council on (01756) 706439, e-mail rwallbank @cravendc.gov.uk or visit council website at cravendc.gov.uk.