Merton Chamber of Commerce teams up with the council to bring Sports Week to Wimbledon
Wimbledon’s first ever Sports Week kicks off on Monday as part of the Wimbledon Going for Gold campaign.
This half term Merton Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with the council with the aim of attracting local people to try sport.
Around 150 people will take part in the activities in Wimbledon town centre and the week is backed by AFC Wimbledon, The All England Club, Goals and David Lloyd Leisure.
Lynda Reynolds, event organiser, said: “It will raise awareness of the campaign, bringing clubs together and interacting businesses in the town.”
The London Borough of Merton is investing £120,000 over three years to support the Going for Gold campaign, and this figure is being matched by businesses and other sources of funding.
Ms Reynolds says although reaching this target will not be easy, it is achievable with the help of events such as Sports Week.
Going for Gold aims to raise Wimbledon’s profile in the run up to, during and beyond the 2012 Olympics.
The campaign’s main aim is to make the town centre better for businesses, workers and residents.
It will encourage shops, restaurants and hotels to run promotions throughout 2012, increasing footfall, and improving the public environment.
Sports Week is hoping to become an annual event and there are several tournaments taking place in the Business to Business Sporting Challenge.
On Monday October 26, there is a 5-a-side football tournament at Goals soccer centre in New Malden, while there is a doubles tennis challenge the following day at the David Lloyd Centre in Raynes Park.
For keen golfers, The Royal Wimbledon Golf Club will host an 18-hole Stableford Rules tournament on Wednesday, followed by lunch in the clubhouse.
The week culminates in a finale evening where the winning business out of around 30 will be announced, along with other prizes and trophies.
For further information visit www.wimbledongoingforgold.co.uk
