Published on 25th July 2012

Young girl trampolining. She is high above the trampoline in a straddle jump.

To tie in with the start of the London 2012 Olympics leisure@cheltenham are holding a free fun filled day for the community.

  • Pick and Mix day
  • 28 July 2012, 10am-4pm

The Pick and Mix day offers people of all ages and all abilities the chance to try out a range of activities, including volley ball, fencing, water polo, trampolining, body pump and zumbatomic. There will also be soft play, face painting, a bouncy castle and lots of family fun games. There really is something for everyone to enjoy.

This huge event has been organised by the team at leisure@cheltenham, and is sponsored by Wates Construction. It is part of the 2012 Olympic Gold Challenge and all the money raised from the day will go to the National Star College.

Some of the many highlights during the day include a chance for children to try out badminton with qualified coaches, a badminton match with Nick Ponting (local, former world no.1 mixed player, present World and European masters Champion) and Julie Bradbury (World Masters Champions) versus Chris Hochen and Steven Chappleman, who have spent their lives playing for England Juniors and are among the best players in the country (Steven is in the top 20 singles). There will also be free coaching at squash with some County juniors in the afternoon.

Daniel Brookes, activities co-ordinator at leisure@cheltenham, said: “We hope that local residents will join us and celebrate the start of the Olympics. By offering a whole day of free fun activities, we hope to inspire local people to have a go at something new and have a day to remember, as well as raise money for a very worthy cause’’

Holly Plummer, from National Star College, commented: “We are delighted to be the beneficiary charity for the Pick and Mix day on Saturday. We are hoping to see lots of people from the local community having fun and trying some of the fantastic activities leisure@cheltenham has on offer. The National Star College, based in Cheltenham, provides a specialist further education, training and personal development for young people aged 16 to 25 with physical disabilities and acquired brain injuries. All of the proceeds from the Pick n Mix day will make a real difference to the young people we support from across the UK.”

Cllr Rowena Hay, cabinet member for sport and culture, said: “The 2012 Olympic Games are imminent, sport and physical activity will attract tremendous attention. We need to do all we can to make it easy for people to look after their health and get active as part of their daily lives. It’s fantastic that we’re able to offer people the chance to try out different sporting activities for free, with expert coaches on hand to provide advice.”

For more information about the day call 01242 528764, or visit the website or follow leisure@ on facebook (http:/www.facebook.com/leisureat).

A photographer is welcome to attend the day.

For media enquiries, contact: Kelly Carter, communications officer, Tel: 01242 264154 or email kelly.carter@cheltenham.gov.uk

Leisure@cheltenham is owned by Cheltenham Borough Council, and offers high quality facilities. The leisure centre has won numerous awards for its green credentials since re-opening, as well as being recognised for the national Sport and Leisure award as part of the 2010 Government Business Awards.

For more information about leisure@ please call 01242 528764,
Email leisure@cheltenham.gov.uk or
Follow us http:/www.facebook.com/leisureat
Website:  www.leisureatcheltenham.com
Follow us on twitter: www.twitter.com/leisureatchelt