Sports week rises to the Challenge (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Sports week rises to the Challenge

4:58pm Tuesday 10th July 2012 in Sport By Steve Tinniswood, Sports reporter

THE annual Padiham Sports Week will be delayed to take part in the Burnley Olympic Challenge.

The sports week, now in its 13th year, will be put back three weeks to coincide with the borough wide sporting event – held a week after the London Olympics finish and the Paralympics begin. The Sports Week will run from August 18-25 and event organiser Alan Smith says all the favourite events will be held as well as a new five mile race.

Events being staged include a sporting extravaganza at Padiham Leisure Centre and the Mayor’s Mile Fun Run – both to held on the opening Saturday.

The Big Dribble is back for the third year on Sunday, August 19 – a 5km football ‘dribble’ on Padiham’s Greenway. The afternoon will see Padiham FC Ladies host Burnley FC Ladies at the Arbories (ko 3pm).

Other events include a ‘round robin’ bowls tournament run by Padiham Bowling Club on Thursday, August 23 while a special Padiham Five Mile Diamond Jubilee Challenge race will take place on Friday, August 24.

Smith said: “It was decided to delay the Padiham Sports Week so that it could be a part of the Burnley Olympic Challenge.

“It is great we are holding our event again and we have plenty of sporting opportunities to cater for everyone.

“Most of the usual events are back plus the new five mile race which should attract a lot of interest.”

The race, which will start at the fountain in Padiham’s Memorial Park will be on road and tow path and is open to runners of all abilities.

The Olympic Challenge will take place on the opening weekend of August 18-19 with the specific aim of getting as many people as possible to turn up, take part and join in events at local sports facilities.

Run by Burnley Borough Council, the event is also be called Join in Local Sport and will enable clubs to convert a wave of interest into a sustainable future of help, support and membership from their local community.

Coun John Harbour executive member for leisure and culture, said: “Local clubs are where it all begins; from the first time you run round the track, to the person who manages the pitch bookings, to the coach who pushes you to go that little bit further and faster. “I know the Olympics and Paralympics are going to inspire people to get involved like never before. Burnley’s Join In Challenge will make sure we don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity.”

For information on Padiham Sports Week contact organiser Alan Smith on 07775 717698.

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