I HAVE to admit that I have been gripped by the opening days of the 2016 Olympics, writes DAVID RENARD.

As part of the initial tally of medal winners, I am delighted that this includes Jazz Carlin, who swam with the Tigersharks at the Link, receiving silver for the 400m freestyle.

There are still many days of this competition with British athletes for us to cheer and shortly afterwards there will also be the Paralympics in Rio.

While it can be quite awe-inspiring to watch these elite athletes, all of whom dedicate phenomenal time and effort to their particular discipline, I must emphasise that exercise and sport are for all of us, bringing huge pleasure and the many benefits of being more active.

Not only is this great fun, regular physical activity helps ward off numerous health issues like obesity, type two diabetes and heart conditions to name just a few.

In addition, there’s ample evidence to show it can help us be more productive at work and even boost exam performance.

There is such a vibrant array of free and accessible sporting opportunities in Swindon to try.

For example, every Saturday hundreds of runners of all abilities descend on Lydiard Park to take part in the volunteer-led Parkrun.

This summer on Sundays, residents can take their pick of a fantastic range of bike rides with distances ranging from six to 20 miles, which take in the beautiful rolling countryside as well as hidden urban beauty spots.

Book online at www.goskyride.com/swindon For those who prefer a brisk walk, there are now 15 walking groups across the borough, run by volunteer walk leaders, giving people of all ages, abilities and walks of life the chance to stretch their legs and socialise together.

As one of the local councillors, it gives me pleasure to promote the Haydon Health Walk, whose participants I have often seen pounding the streets near where I live – sometimes more than 100 at a time.

Similarly, there is no shortage of leisure and gym facilities. One thing you won’t hear about in Swindon are council plans to close sports centres. That’s because we took the necessary decision to transfer these venues to a not-for-profit company, so they could continue to operate and deliver a whole host of popular facilities and activities.

Stratton St Margaret Parish Council also successfully runs its own well-equipped gym as part of its thriving Grange Drive Centre.

So, whether you are inspired by the events in Rio or just wish to introduce something a little different to make your life more active, you have plenty of options right here in Swindon, where you really are spoilt for sporting options.