2012 Venues On Trial At Sussex Games
By Stephanie Mizon 21st Aug 2008

Local athletes will be trying out the facilities at seven pre-2012 Olympic training venues when they gather for the 2008 Sussex Games this month.

The Games, which run from 24 August to 14 September, will include 10 events in five local authority areas (Mid Sussex, Crawley, Brighton & Hove, Eastbourne, and Horsham).

Comprising a three-week programme of adult and junior competition at grass roots, community and elite levels, the Sussex Games are designed to showcase the sport facilities as well as the sporting talent across Sussex.

The 2008 event will start the county’s countdown to the London Olympics and aims to inspire communities to become more active – and encourage them to take advantage of the great facilities on their doorstep. Top athletes Denise Austin, Ben Quilter, Peter Nicol and Glen Kirkham amongst others will not only exhibit their talents at the Sussex Games but also get involved in coaching and presenting to the participants.

Organised by the Sussex County Sports Partnership, in partnership with National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Authorities, - the Sussex Games form part of an overall strategy to deliver against government targets to increase participation in sport by 1% every year.

The Games open with the Olympic handover ceremony on Brighton Seafront, on 24 August and culminate in a spectacular firework display and torch-lit procession at Hickstead, All England Show Jumping Ground on 14 September. A delegation of VIPs will tour the sporting activities at Olympos Burgess Hill, followed by a BBQ in the Polo Lounge at Hickstead.

A full schedule of events and appearances can be found on the Sussex County Sports Partnership website at www.sussexsport.org.

During the Games, the SCSP will be launching their new-look, interactive website at www.sussexsport.org.

The countywide sports database will include information on venues, clubs coaches and volunteering opportunities. For your organisation’s inclusion onto the database please send details to sussexsport@brighton.ac.uk.

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