Colchester threw its weight behind the bid to stage the Olympics in London in 2012.

2012 support - Karen Pickering and Mark Lloyd and a gang of Olympic bid supporters from Essex University day nursery go on a 20-minute walk to promote the bid. (40140-1)

Swimmer Karen Pickering and Mark Lloyd, coach of the British mens wheelchair basketball team, were at Essex University for a day of sporting endeavour.

David Williams, the university's director of sport, said: "Everyone has really got involved today.

"Children from the day nursery went out for a walking challenge and we ran a mini-Olympics between teams of staff and students.

"We've also been encouraging people to try out a triathlon on a rowing machine, exercise bike and treadmill."

The event was part of a national day promoting the 2012 bid on the 20th day of the 12th month.

Mr Williams said: "We feel there are great commercial and tourist opportunities for the town, and opportunities for our students to be involved."

Published Tuesday, December 21, 2004

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