Rising to the challenge (From This Is Wiltshire)

Rising to the challenge

8:01am Monday 19th May 2008 in

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FITNESS may be top of the agenda when it comes to Challenge Swindon - Festival of Sport, but some competitors may be able to reel in some cash from the sporting weekend.

The Angling tournament, which takes place at Peatmoor Lagoon on Sunday, June 1, features prize money of £100.

Swindon Fisheries Management Group is sponsoring the angling event and putting up the prize money for the top catch weight in the adults' category, which costs £7 to enter.

There is also a juniors event, which is free of charge, for children aged 10 to 16.

Mark Jennings, pictured left, Swindon Council Angling Development Officer, who is helping to organise the event, said: "It's going to be a fantastic day of excitement and angling endeavour.

"Experienced and beginner anglers are all welcome to enter, so sign up and see if you can hook a prize."

Challenge Swindon, Festival of Sport, takes place on Saturday, May 31, and Sunday, June 1, and the deadline for entries has been extended until 5pm today.

Nikki Courtney, event organiser, said: "So far around 900 people have signed up for the Festival of Sport, which is fantastic.

"Today is the last day to finalise your team and register for the sporting extravaganza.

"Dragon boat racing is proving particularly popular this year - I think people took part in the taster sessions last year and thought they wanted a bigger piece of the action this time.

"And don't forget about the free fun run for children, which means the whole family can sign up for the challenge."

With 15 different activities to choose from there is something for everyone.

Angling is one of the many sports on offer, based at leisure venues across the borough.

Dragon boat racing, netball, badminton, squash, hockey, netball, tennis, inflatable human table football and boccia , which issimilar to boules, are also part of the event, organised by Swindon Council.

About 40 staff at Catalent, the pharmaceutical manufacturers in Blagrove Industrial Estate, West Swindon, who are sponsoring the Coate Water venue, have already signed up for the dragon boat racing.

And brother and sister Thomas and Bernie Broomhall, from Penhill, will be among a host of children taking part in the fun run, which is being held at Coate Water on the Saturday, May 31.

The sports festival, which is part funded by Sport England, is in its second year and was launched following the hugely successful UK Corporate Games, which were held in Swindon two years ago.

Councillor Justin Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Recreation, said: "The angling event is a great opportunity to go fishing with family or friends and see who can net the biggest catch. Hopefully, the tournament will also hook some new anglers.

"Best of luck to everyone taking part in the Festival of Sport, which promises to be a fantastic weekend of fun and physical activity."

For more information about Challenge Swindon log onto the website www.challengeswindon.org.uk or call 01793 511033.