Sheffield International Venues (SIV) is planning an Olympic sports showcase as part of its plans for Sheftival – the city’s biggest ever festival of sport and culture – with the aim of introducing new sports to some of the expected 50,000 visitors over the weekend of August 4 and 5.
Two pop up boxing rings, an inflatable hockey pitch and crazy golf will feature among have-a-go sessions in sports at Sheftival including rugby league, athletics, basketball, wheelchair basketball, Futsal, judo, taekwondo, table tennis, Zumba, dancing, climbing, boccia, football and zorb balls with more expected to follow.
Professional clubs and associations including Sheffield Eagles rugby league club, British Judo, Sheffield Steelers and Sheffield and Hallamshire Football Association are some of the first to lend their support Sheftival celebrating London 2012.
Sports fans will also be able to watch a 48 square metre big screen in Don Valley Stadium broadcasting live Olympic action – including Jess Ennis’ gold medal heptathlon challenge.
Jess said: “The Olympics will bring together communities and create a real buzz around the country. Sheffield is famous for its music and sport achievements. Both are passions of mine and I believe Sheftival embraces them both.
Steve Brailey, CEO of Sheffield International Venues (SIV), said: “We are hopi
ng the fantastic range of activities on offer will inspire people to take up a new sport or revisit previous activities in this Olympic year.
“Sheffield’s elite sporting success is clear – one in seven GB athletes have trained in Sheffield at SIV venues and many international Olympic teams have chosen the city as their pre-games training base in the build up to London 2012.
“Our commitment is also to general participation and raising interest in sports and activities. This event is designed to ignite people’s interest and ability and encourage ever
yone to have a go. Who knows, we might find the next tranche of Olympians in the process!”
Members of the public can turn up on the day for the have-a-go sessions and a full timetable will be available to view at www.sheftival.com by Friday, 8 June.
Sheftival, presented by SIV, will include Sheffield’s biggest outdoor pop concert this summer in partnership with Real Radio and Tramlines Festival.
Attractions over the weekend at Don Valley Bowl include The JuJu Club World Music stage, Sharrow Festival Family area, Buskers Barge, acoustic stages, Monkey Bump Dance Tent showcasing Sheffield’s leading club brands, gourmet food stalls, Devonshire Markets, a real ale trail, crafts, carnival parade, fairground and free ice skating.
Sheftival tickets are now on sale. Family ticket admits four – day ticket £40 / weekend £70; Under 18s – day ticket £10 / weekend £15; Over 18s – day ticket £12 / weekend £20; Under 6s free.
Buy online: http://bit.ly/JcfGaP or from the Arena Box Office, City Hall or call 0114 256 5567. Admission to Don Valley Stadium is free.
For further details visit: www.sheftival.com, www.twitter.com/sheftival or www.facebook.com/sheftival