Chelmsford Sport has put together an impressive programme of 17 sporting events for the people of Chelmsford in this their first Festival of Sport to be held over three days, June 16, 17 and 18.

Carol Evans, the Chelmsford Sport Event chairperson, reported that Chelmsford Borough Council has loaned its excellent facilities at Dovedale Sports Centre and Melbourne Park for these events.

Many other regional sports clubs have also provided their specialist facilities and coaches for these 'Come & Try' events.

The festival kicks off with a five mile road race organised by Springfield Striders from the Green Man at Howe Street, near Graeat Waltham, on Friday, June 16, commencing at 7.45 pm.

Saturday, June 18 is paced with 'Come & Try' events at Dovedale and Melbourne Park.

These include table tennis (telephone 01245 263778), yoga (01245 421496), badminton (01245 405009), volleyball (01245 267797), netball (01245 466762), rugby (01245 602239) and rounders (01245 469306).

The Chelmsford Motor club is holding a motor car display at Melbourne Park with the Chelmer Cycling Club (telephone 01376 346848) demonstrating its computerised cycle training machine.

Chelmsford Canoe Club (01245 261073) is staging a 'Come and Try' day at its headquarters, starting at 10 am with a last paddle at 4.30 pm.

Several bowls clubs have combined to offer 'Come and Try' days on June 17 and June 18 actual days and times should be checked with the individual clubs.

These 'Come and Try' bowls events are being held at Chelmsford (01245 361110), Danbury (01245 224383), Falcon (01245 265532), Princess Marie Louise (01245 265144/01245 250167), RHP Sports & Social (01245 443232) and Writtle (01245 421567) Bowling Clubs.

Chelmsford Sport secretary, Tony Ellis said that they had designed this year's Festival of Sport to encourage people of all ages to come and have a go and if they like what they try then they can find out how they could join a local club.

He added that there is something in the programme for everyone young and old to the disabled - just come along and find out is his advice as there are many clubs offering excellent facilities, top line coaching and programmes to suit almost everyone.

Chelmsford Sport had been set up to bring sport of all types closer to the people of Chelmsford and, with first class facilities being provided by both clubs and Chelmsford Borough Council, there is scope for everyone who is interested to take part, he stressed.

Further details for be obtained from individual clubs or telephone the Festival Information Line on 01245 606930.

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