Preparations Complete For 'Sports Challenge'

PC John Walters, local policing officer for Wrockwardine Wood and Trench, has confirmed that preparations are now complete ahead of a ‘Midweek Sports Challenge' event for young people that is being held on the athletics track at Oakengates Leisure Centre on Wednesday 4 August.

The event will give youngsters from four local schools - Wrockwardine Wood Infants, Wrockwardine Wood Junior School, Teague's Bridge Primary and St Luke's Primary - the chance to participate in a number of activities that will be loosely based on those that will form part of the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

The young people - who will be aged between 5 and 11 - taking part in the challenge will be split into teams and then take part in a number of track and field events with the aim of accumulating points for their team.

Speaking about this new event - which runs from 10am until 3pm - PC Walters said: "Each year we try to hold at least one large event to bring youngsters from different local communities together and get them involved in different types of activities. It has been proven that sport can be a good way of breaking down barriers and obviously it also helps to promote healthier lifestyles for those who participate.

"Local policing teams have many roles and responsibilities on their respective beat areas and events like this are aimed at fostering trust within our communities and showing people that their local officers will do what they can to guide young people in a positive way.

"Past events like this have led to several community projects that have been sustained over the past two years and, together with our partners such as the local parish council and Telford & Wrekin Council, we have since been able to provide free diversionary activities, 3 times a week, for young people locally.

"We are all really looking forward to this event and I'm confident that all the young people that take part will have a great day. This again provides us with a great opportunity to engage with young people from our ward and hopefully the event with help develop a healthy respect between ourselves and the younger element within the community we serve."

West Mercia Police is supporting Respect Week, runs until Friday to promote the positive diversionary work forces across the country are doing to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Reducing anti-social behaviour is a high priority for West Mercia Police. Our aim is to raise awareness of the impact anti-social behaviour can have on others and encourage communities to respect and tolerate each other.

Communities can play an active role in identifying and reducing ASB by providing us with valuable information about what is happening in their area.

If you have any information or concerns, you can raise them by:

• Attending your local PACT (Partners and Communities Together) meeting, surgery or event.
• Calling 0300 333 3000 to speak to your local policing team.
  
• Emailing your local policing team via the force website www.westmercia.police.uk
• Calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to report information anonymously.

Issued: Wednesday 28 July 2010