Hertfordshire Sports Village welcomes the Olympics!

The Welwyn Hatfield Sport & Physical Alliance (WHSPAA) worked with the Hertfordshire Sports Village to celebrate the Olympic handover on Sunday 24 August.

Guests from the Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and members of the community gathered on the University of Hertfordshire's de Havilland campus as the vice-chancellor Tim Wilson accompanied by 2012 hopefuls and the England netball squad raised the London 2012 flag as the Beijing 2008 Olympics drew to a close.

Nick Brooking, Director of Sport at the University of Hertfordshire said "We were very pleased to host the Olympic Flag handover event for the district. As the primary provider of support for sporting excellence in the county - and the only venue selected to be in the 2012 pre-games training camp guide for both the Olympic and Paralympics - we have connections with athletes and support staff involved in the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics. We hope to develop these services further in the run up to 2012 and were delighted that some of Hertfordshire's potential Olympians were with us at the ceremony."

Hertfordshire Sports Village was also celebrating its 5th birthday on the same day and held an open day where activities ranging from climbing, swimming to use of the state-of-the-art gym cost only £1. All proceeds were then donated to the University of Hertfordshire's Sports Scholarship fund. WHSPAA sports clubs including the Comets Badminton and Welwyn Hatfield Fencing clubs were involved in providing taster sessions for members of the local community who attended the celebrations.

Also present on the day was the England netball squad who held their autumn test series match at the University of Hertfordshire's Sports Village.

For further information regarding events held at Hertfordshire Sports Village, please visit www.hertssportsvillage.co.uk

For further information on the Welwyn Hatfield Sport & Physical Alliance, contact Dave Bartlett, Chairman on 01438 715374 or email dave@bartlett1.plus.com