The London 2012 roadshow, with all its exciting sporting activities was, for me, the highlight of the Tour de France People’s Village at the weekend. Attracting crowds of over four million with its carnival atmosphere, the Tour de France celebrated cycling and aimed to get more people interested in taking up the sport.
To capitalise on the enthusiasm and excitement, London 2012 and Sport England ran a series of sporting taster and demonstration sessions in the Village to show Londoners, and those around the country, that there is a sport for everyone. The sporting sessions drew interest from hundreds of people to join in and try new sports - this time it included Tai Chi, boccia, rowing and fencing.
Those who found a sport they liked were able put in touch with their nearest sports club by speaking to the Sport England representatives and accessing the website www.sportengland.org/getactive. Fingers crossed for a new Olympic or Paralympic medal winner in amongst the crowd somewhere.
Perhaps the most memorable moment of the day was watching Jonathan Edwards duck and dive with Sally Gunnell and cyclist Victoria Pendleton when trying fencing for the first time. The kids and cameras loved it and it certainly got the crowd jumping.
Can’t wait to go again in Waltham Forest.
