The Urban Games are under starter’s orders, with youngsters lining up to compete in activities including free running, skateboarding and street dance.
Competitors will also be able to take part in other ‘street’ events including dance, DJing and BMX and scooter racing during a series of free events taking place across County Durham this summer.
Part of Durham County Council’s ‘Join In’ Olympic Legacy programme, each afternoon session will feature demonstrations by professionals.
There will also be the chance to take part in more traditional sports such as football, table tennis, athletics and climbing.
The Urban Games will take place at the following locations from 1pm to 4pm:
Newton Aycliffe Skate Park, Town Park Thursday, 26 July
Chester-le-Street Riverside Park Friday, 27 July
The Pavilion, Peterlee Thursday, 2 August
The Hub, Barnard Castle Tuesday, 7 August
Coxhoe Skate Park Thursday, 9 August
Bishop Auckland Town Recreation Ground Friday, 10 August
Consett Skate Park, Belle Vue Leisure Centre Thursday, 16 August
Julie Russell, Durham County Council’s strategic manager for sport and leisure development, said: “In choosing an urban theme for these games, we hope to encourage young people who might not normally take part in more traditional sports to give new activities a try and join in a community celebration.”
Chester-le-Street AAP, GAMP and Leisureworks have provided funding and support for events in their areas.
The Urban Games is part of the National Lottery-funded Community Games, a London 2012 Inspire marked programme. It provides funding to local communities to organise their own games to suit local sporting and cultural needs and interests.
Along with Durham County Council’s Join in programme, Community Games draws on the excitement of London 2012 to inspire people and communities to take part in and celebrate the Olympic and Paralympic Games, giving people a chance to try something new and create lasting health and wellbeing benefits.
