BMX finals hitting the big screen

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OLYMPIC BMX events will be shown in style at Redditch's track thanks to a huge screen funded by county councillors.

The 12 square metre screen will be installed at the Icknield Street Drive venue on Friday (August 10) to show off the semi-final and final of the men's and women's BMX races in London.

Gates open at 12pm with the races beginning at 3pm, attendees will also have the chance to see local riders in action, stalls and attractions.

Redditch Younger People's Forum worked with Redditch Premiers BMX Club to secure £1,500 funding in under a week from all eight county councillors' divisional funds.

Youth forum member Harry Bishop said: "After meeting with Coun Rebecca Blake the Redditch Younger People's Forum wanted young people to be involved with the Olympics in Redditch and we were not prepared to fail.

"I am very proud to say that we pulled it off. Chris Warren and I have been working tirelessly every single day on making the idea a reality. The event is open to everyone and I hope to see you all there cheering on Team GB with me."

Premiers director Steve Rooke said: "This is a great venue to have a live screen and everyone is welcome to come along and celebrate the Oympics.

"BMX racing is the Olympics' newest addition to the games. Both Shanaze Reade and Liam Phillips have visited Redditch BMX track and we would like to get behind them and show them our support with the whole community involved. They are a real inspiration to young people and have real chance of winning gold medals.

"I would like to thank the Redditch Youth Forum with Coun Blake and Coun Juliet Brunner for pulling out all the stops to make this happen with the county council's divisional fund scheme."

Coun Brunner added: "All Redditch county councillors are delighted to support the Redditch Youth Forum's bid for this community event.

"We are looking forward to enjoy the BMX finals here in Redditch at our BMX track. It's a great event and we hope everyone will turn out to support Team GB."

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