Street Athletics comes to Inverness

Young people in the Highlands are being encouraged to get their trainers on and get out on the street to take part in a national “Street Athletics” project.

Former Olympic 100mtrs gold medallist Linford Christie and Olympic 200mtrs silver medallist Darren Campbell will be in Inverness to lead this new initiative for street kids in the city.

Street Athletics, is an exciting new project which combines sport, music and youth working together to make athletics part of our everyday lives.

Both Linford Christie and Darren Campbell share the same vision, to break down the significant barriers which prevent youngsters from believing in their own talents and not having the confidence in their futures to set even the smallest ambitions. They believe that sport can play a huge part in engaging young people and that it reflects positively in other areas of their lives.

Youngsters who fancy their chances over 60mtrs can come along to Ness Walk beside Inverness Cathedral on 8th July 2007 between 1pm to 4pm and test themselves against other kids from around the city. Participants don’t need any special kit, membership of an athletics club or entry fee to take part, they simply need to turn up and run as fast as they can.

Street Athletics looks to encourage young people to take part in athletics who may otherwise not have had the opportunity to do so. Entrants will be put into individual age groups and the fastest finishers in each category will be given the opportunity to compete against young people from other areas in the country.

Live music with a local DJ will entertain participants and spectators near the finish.

Street Athletics is being administered by The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Service and youngsters are being encouraged to register in advance with the Council’s Community Learning and Leisure Services at the Town House, Inverness.

Entrants can also just turn up on the day, with registration running from 1pm to 2pm and races from 2pm to 4pm. Entrance is free and all participants receive a free Street Athletics RBK T-Shirt and Dog Tag.

Street Athletics is taking place with the support of the Scottish Executive and RBK.