Agenda item

The Executive received a report proposing a number of initiatives in Surrey Heath, to celebrate the Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games in the summer of 2016.

The proposed initiatives were designed to harness and build on the enthusiasm for sport which would be generated by these 2 international events, to improve health, encourage both residents and visitors to visit the Town Centre and to foster a sense of civic pride.

Members noted that the proposed events would include:

§    A Sports and Physical Activity Market on Park Street – This would be similar to the concept of the Farmers’ Market, but with a number of sports and physical activity stalls and demonstrations from local experts;

§    Press Event at the Judo Club – An event, to be confirmed, when those selected for the UK Team could be congratulated by local VIPs;

§    ‘Our Sporting Heritage’ Exhibition – An exhibition in the Camberley Museum which would showcase historical sports photos or memorabilia from local athletes who had previously lived in Surrey Heath;

§    Camberley Judo Club on the Big Screen – Showing Judo and/or other events live from the Camberley Theatre;

§    Surrey Heath Summer of Sport Festival Week – focussing on the coordination of a number of sports clubs across the Borough, to offer a series of one-off taster sessions in a variety of Olympic sports; and

§    Olympic Athletes visiting Surrey Youth Games sessions - Athletes from the Judo Club and other sports to make guest appearances, enhancing this already successful event.

Whilst it was proposed to allocate up to £500 on publicity measures, the Executive noted that this could be achieved from within existing resources.

Resolved that

(i)            the proposed Surrey Heath initiatives to celebrate the Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games in the summer of 2016, be noted; and

(ii)          the expenditure of approximately £500 be agreed, from within existing resources, to allow for the rental of items for a Sports and Physical Activity Market on Park Street, Camberley, designed to engage the public.