Here's your chance for a level playing field between large and small companies literally. KEVIN BURCHALL reports.

THINK small as well as big is the message to local businesses ahead of the Corporate Games.

Team Swindon is being run by Simon West, of Inspire Events, with the specific aim of smaller firms giving their multi-national rivals a run for their money at the national sporting event.

"I was invited to the initial discussions because I organise events for the Chamber of Commerce," said Mr West.

"But after talking to the organising committee, it became very apparent that the games were focused very much on the large corporations.

"There are a large number of small businesses in Swindon who may only have a few employees, but who may want to get involved in the games, so I came up with the idea of Team Swindon."

The showcase competition has long been seen as the business Olympics and has been given some added sparkle following the announcement that Princess Anne is the official patron of the Games.

The events will be held at a variety of locations around Swindon between June 2 and 4.

The sporting activities are open to teams of all sizes and individuals are also welcome.

Swindon will see not only a programme of 21 sports, but also a grand parade of athletes and a fantastic party. Lydiard Park will be home to the Corporate Village to give the sporting event a real Olympic feel.

And Mr West wants Team Swindon to not only represent the town, but also to raise money for one of Swindon's charities.

"We are in the process of raising a bit of sponsorship that will allow us to pay for vests and those kinds of things," he said.

"We have also had talks with a fitness instructor, who is offering fitness training for people in the team and we thought it would be good to raise money with the chief beneficiary as the Swindon Food Bank."

  • If you would like to find out more about Team Swindon, or would like to sign up to the team, contact Mr West on 01672 541636 or log on to www.inspire-events.com.