Chippenham Goes for Gold

6.37.34pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 30th Jul 2007

Duncan with Scott Mackay from Gym UK

Chippenham could get it's own piece of the Olympics action in the run-up to the 2012 Games, if local sports and business figures get their way. The volunteer committee has come together to bid for International teams to make Chippenham their base and training 'village' for the Games.

The benefits to the local economy and to tourism are much coveted, but as Duncan Hames has been finding out, Chippenham is well ahead of the game. "Chippenham and the surrounding area would be a great place for a team to train" says Sandie Webb, one of those organising the bid.

Ms Webb met with Duncan Hames earlier in the month to tell him all about it.

"It has some great facilities for training competitors in Equestrian events, Gymnastics, Judo & Taekwando, to name just a few." she explained. Already, the Koreans have expressed their interest, but it is hoped that Chippenham will be promoted to the world in a brochure to go to all competition teams at next year's Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

The Olympics promise to inspire a whole generation of our young people to achieve their very best." says Lib Dem prospective MP for Chippenham, Duncan Hames.

"Bringing top athletes and sports people to Chippenham could make that dream a reality here in Wiltshire."

Duncan is backing the bid and wishes the Team Chippenham the best of luck in bringing a team for the 2012 Games to come and train here."