FLINTSHIRE is to get a taste of the Olympic spirit during a street sport spectacular.

With less than a year to go before the 2012 London games, Holywell High Street will host long jumpers, sprinters and javelin throwers in a ‘street Olympics’.

Organised by the Rotary Club of Flint and Holywell for Holywell Town Council, the event on Saturday, August 20, will also feature an opening ceremony with a specially-made Olympic torch.

Competitors will battle it out for prizes in a number of events, each sponsored by shops in the town.

Rotary member Graham Ross, one of the event’s organisers, said: “We decided to run a street Olympics with it being the run up to the 2012 games. We mainly raise money for charity, but we also help young people with various things like mock interviews for school leavers.

“We see sport as being important and hopefully it will get people interested. If you develop sport it becomes a passion and adds something valuable to your life.”

Other events being held include balance beam exercises, shot putt and a fun run.
A host of sporting clubs, including Deeside Amateur Athletic Club, will attend the event providing displays of rowing, tae kwon do, weightlifting and table tennis.

Mr Ross said: “The objective is to give young people an opportunity to gain some experience of sport in an organised environment.

“The street Olympics can be a real boost for the town. It will be a good way to get people to the town and see what it has to offer. It is bringing the spirit of the Olympics to Flintshire.

“We have had a good amount of interest so far. We hope it is going to be a fun day centred around sport.”

The specially-made Olympic torch will tour the county’s leisure centres from August 13 before arriving for the opening ceremony which will be led by Delyn MP David Hanson.

Competitors can register for events at stores in the High Street and can also take part if they turn up on the day.

Demonstrations start at 10am and competitions start at 11am.

Any local bands or musicians who would like to perform during the event can contact 07885 728801.