WHARF Green will be transformed into a sporting hub to celebrate the Commonwealth Games next week.

Swindon Sports Forum is aiming to tap into the enthusiasm created by this summer’s Games in Glasgow by encouraging more people to try a different sport.

A number of showcase events will be staged underneath the Big Screen in the town centre throughout the duration of the Games, which start on Wednesday.

Swindon Council’s Sports Development team has organised the programme of events with inSwindon BID after Swindon Sports Forum successfully applied for grant funding from the Big Lottery Awards for All, and each sports session is going to be delivered by various sports clubs in Swindon.

The taster session will be an opportunity to try a new sport and find out more about different clubs in the town.

Clubs will be at Wharf Green between 11am and 3pm each day and everyone is welcome to attend, while those that do can also watch the Games live on the Big Screen.

Coun Keith Williams, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Leisure, said: “These events are great for promoting our local sports clubs and give people the perfect chance to try a completely new sport.

“The Sports Forum does a great job in promoting sport and encouraging people to stay fit and healthy and this is another chance to see what Swindon has to offer when it comes to sporting activities.

“We had a great response when we held similar taster sessions during the Olympics and I would encourage people to visit the Big Screen to see the showcase events for themselves.”

Dave Bell, Swindon Sports Forum chairman, said: “The Sport Forum is delighted to have received the funding from the Big Lottery Awards for this Community sports festival.

“It has given the Swindon Sport Forum, working with the Sports development team, the opportunity to showcase and promote the wide range of sports that take place on a weekly basis in Swindon to the rest of the borough.

“We would like to encourage everyone to come along and have a go at activities and to find out where and how adults and children can get involved in sport locally on a more regular basis.”

The Swindon Sport Forum is a support network for local Swindon sports clubs to promote participation in sport and the development of sporting facilities and opportunities in Swindon.

For further details contact SportsForum@vas-swindon.org or visit www.swindonsportsforum .co.uk