News

West Sussex rises to the ‘challenge’ on London 2012 Open Weekend

Posted on 27/07/10

Thousands of people across West Sussex joined in activities to mark the two-year countdown to the Olympics during Open Weekend.

The theme of 2010's Olympics Open Weekend (July 23-25) was ‘challenges’.

Highlights included:

• The colourful ‘Crawley Diego Garcian Society Fair’ at K2 Crawley which challenged the public to learn about different cultures through dance, music and food.

• ‘Field of Flags – Dysarticulate’ at Chichester Library and Pallant House Gallery where hundreds of recycled flags were made and then planted around the city.

• The ‘GO 5 Freedom Challenge’ at Olympos Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath and East Grinstead, which encouraged people to try five sports.   

• ‘Sparks in the Park’ in Horsham, which included a wide range of sports for people to try such as Stoolball, Baseball, Karate and Basketball; and `One World Carnival`, watched by thousands of people as it weaved it’s way through Horsham Park.  The Carnival included costumes designed by disabled and non-disabled people involved in ‘Blue Touch Paper Carnival’ – a West Sussex project awarded the London 2012 Inspire Mark.  Other costumes were created by Kinetika. 
  

West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy Deborah Urquhart said: “With only two years to go until the London 2012 Games, the enthusiasm shown by those taking part this weekend is an indication of the excitement to come.

“The variety of events demonstrates the different ways the Games are already touching our lives, and we will continue to ensure West Sussex has lasting benefits.

“I would like to congratulate everyone who was involved in the many Open Weekend activities.”

You can view a gallery of photos from the events.