EXCITEMENT is building with just four days to go until the return of Swindon's biggest extreme sports event.

The Urban Rider Games, now in its third year, is set to be bigger and better than ever before when it gets underway this coming Friday.

Hosted by the team from the ATBShop Skate Warehouse on the Hawksworth Trading Estate, the fun-filled day always draws a big crowd.

Already well over two thirds of competition entries have been snapped up with many more expected to go in the coming days.

While the event provides an opportunity for Swindon based competitors to show what they're capable of against visitors from around the country, there is also a more serious message that the organisers are keen to get across.

The games were originally launched as a way to showcase the talents of the young people in Swindon who mostly use the free skate parks to harness their skills.

Those parks are not always maintained and can be an early casualty when developers get their hands on a site.

The Oasis skatepark - increasingly falling into disrepair with nobody wishing to take responsibility for it - is a particular focus.

The ATB team have never been bothered by the fact that these free spaces might draw away business from their own paid entry skatepark.

Instead they see them as essential places for youngsters to spend productive, safe and enjoyable time.

ATBShop co-owner Di Kirk said: "The focal part to this amazing community event is to raise awareness for better free facilities in and around Swindon – especially protecting the Oasis Skate Park which is under siege from developers at present.

"On the day we will have a great range of celebrity judges for the 10 different categories from different sport backgrounds.

"The response from our sponsors to this not for profit event this year has exceeded our wildest expectations with big brands such as Jelly Belly and GoPro donating thousands of pounds worth of prizes.

"GoPro will also be down on the day running demos and workshops at the games for all to take part in.

"We have also received huge support from the local business community with generous support from Hills Waste Solutions and local shops such as the Vans store in the Outlet Village.

"The prize fund is currently standing at well over £3000."

But to get their hands on those prizes, competitors will have to impress an experienced panel of judges.

This yea's panel will include world number one scooter champion Jordan Clarke and European champion Lewis Williams who is flying back from Dubai especially to be at the Urban Rider Games.

Matt Brind, a four time world mountainboard campaign will also be on hand to judge the talent as will skater James Threlfall - well known as "one of the country's most progressive skaters."

The event will start at midday with organisers laying on fun activities for all the family.

Entry is free for spectators and registration for the competition will be open up to, and including the event day.

With categories ranging all the way from beginner to pro, anyone can enter and take part. 

For more information, visit www.atbshop.co.uk/urbanridergames or call the shop on 01793 523244, Tickets can be purchased by phone or in the store.