Residents in Daventry District are being urged to join in a ceremony and free sports sessions to mark the handover of the Olympic flag this weekend.
On Sunday, August 24, Beijing will mark the closing of its summer games by handing over the flag to London for 2012 Olympics. Towns and cities across Britain have been invited to join the occasion that afternoon by ‘Flying the Flag for London 2012’.
Daventry District Council will be taking part by staging a flag-raising ceremony at its Lodge Road offices and is inviting sports groups, clubs and residents district-wide to join in. The flag will be raised at 3pm and afterwards young people can take part in a range of free sports sessions at Daventry Leisure Centre.
The timetable for free sports sessions at the leisure centre on Sunday is as follows:
3.10-3.30pm – Multi sports sessions with Daventry District Council’s sports coaches
3.30-4pm – football sessions with Daventry Town FC
4-4.30pm – Badminton sessions with Daventry Badminton Club
4.30pm-5pm - Multi sports sessions with Daventry District Council’s sports coaches
Councillor Alan Hills, Portfolio Holder for Community, Culture and Leisure at Daventry District Council, said: “We are delighted to be part of such a prestigious, nationwide event to mark the handover of the Olympic flag.
“It’s a great chance for youngsters to join in the celebrations by taking part in free sports sessions at the leisure centre.
“The London 2012 games will bring a wealth of opportunities to Daventry District and its residents. Sport will be at the forefront of people’s minds in the run-up to the games and we will continue to spearhead and support initiatives to encourage more residents to lead active, fitter lives.”
The Olympic Handover Flag at the district council offices will be one of over 500 flags delivered to locations including HM Armed Forces, embassies around the world, City Halls, British Council offices and Foreign and Commonwealth offices.
Councillor Chris White, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Culture, Tourism and Sport board, said: “While the Olympic Games in 2012 are happening in London, it’s clear there’s strong support for them throughout the length and breadth of the country. More than 400 councils have arranged parties and flag-raising events for August 24th to mark the start of an exciting four years. Authorities are already investing in sports facilities and promoting healthier living to ensure the legacy of the Olympic Games will be long-lasting. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for every part of the country to enjoy a boom in business, tourism and sporting excellence, and councils are ready to seize the opportunity.”
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