Olympicks needs more to take part (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Olympicks needs more to take part

ORGANISERS of the Cotswold Olimpicks have sent programmes to more than 2,000 local youngsters in a bid to ensure the long-term future of the traditional event.

The games have been contested on Dover's Hill near Chipping Campden since 1612 - and are widely recognised as the first modern revival of the ancient Olympics.

Dr Francis Burns, secretary of the games, said: "We've done this with a view to the future of the games - if we can get our youngsters involved it will help to make sure that we're still going strong in 2050."

The games, which were founded by Robert Dover - who gave his name to the hill, will be held a week tomorrow on Friday, June 3.

Among the sports being contested from 7.30pm will be the traditional Cotswold event of shin-kicking. This fearsome challenge, which involves two booted combatants with trousers stuffed with straw, is going ahead despite concerns about health and safety of the event.

Bob Wilson, the chairman of the games, said: "Shin-kicking is still going despite the nanny state we live in - the health and safety people don't like the idea of it at all."

Other events include a five-mile run, tug o'war, display of falconry, morris dancing, pipe bands, circus entertainers and displays of martial arts.

The evening culminates with a firework display and a torchlight procession down the hill into Campden. The town Square is then the venue for a display of marching bands and dancing into the small hours of the morning.

The festivities are due to continue on Saturday as the town celebrates its Scuttlebrook Wake. The event includes a fancy dress parade that leaves from the Littleworth Estate at 1.30pm.