Raising the Olympic flag in Hertsmere

On Sunday 24 August, Hertsmere will be joining towns and cities across the country to mark the Olympic flag being passed over to London for the 2012 Olympics as Beijing marks the close of its summer games.

Local dignitaries, including the Mayor of Hertsmere Cllr Sandra Parnell, Michael Perham, who at 14 became the youngest person to sail the Atlantic single-handed, together with local councillors and Hertsmere Leisure representatives, will be raising the Olympic flag.

The flag raising ceremony will take place at The Venue Leisure Centre in Borehamwood, starting at 2.15pm with the Mayor cutting a ribbon to launch Michael as he literally walks on water in the new Water Walkerz, and the flag being raised at 2.30pm.

Councillor Sandra Parnell, Mayor for Hertsmere, who will be raising the flag, said: "We are delighted to be part of such a prestigious, nationwide event to mark the handover of the Olympic flag. It's a great chance for youngsters to join in the celebrations by taking part in free gym sessions at the leisure centre.

"Sport will be at the forefront of people's minds in the run-up to the games and we will continue to spearhead and support initiatives to encourage more residents to lead active, fitter lives."

Children will be able to go Xergaming at The Venue in Borehamwood. Xergaming is the first interactive fitness gym for seven to 15-year-olds based in the UK. It is designed to make working out even more exciting and fun and includes:

• interlinked arcade style interactive dance platforms
• Xergaming sport walls offering hundreds of games based on lives won and lost point system by zapping lights on the wall panel
• Xergaming exer-station X-Box pro stations containing muscle strengthening game controllers - voted Best Invention of the Year 2005!

Phil Collins, Chief Executive of Hertsmere Leisure, said: "The Olympics is an exciting time and we are delighted to be joining in the celebration of the flag being handed over to London for the 2012 Olympics.

"Our free sessions within our state-of-the-art Xergaming Gym will show young people that you can get fit and have fun."

Chairman of the London 2012 Organising Committee, Sebastian Coe said: 'When the Mayor of London accepts the Olympic Flag on 24th August, the eyes of the world will turn to London and the UK as the next Summer Host City. It is a very important and exciting moment for us, and we want as many people as possible to join in the handover celebrations. We are delighted that so many local authorities share our excitement and are proudly displaying the Olympic Handover Flag to mark this very special moment on our journey to 2012."

Councillor Chris White, Chair of the LGA's Culture, Tourism and Sport board, said: "While the Olympic Games in 2012 are happening in London, it's clear there's strong support for them throughout the length and breadth of the country. More than 400 councils have arranged parties and flag-raising events for August 24th to mark the start of an exciting four years. Authorities are already investing in sports facilities and promoting healthier living to ensure the legacy of the Olympic Games will be long-lasting. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for every part of the country to enjoy a boom in business, tourism and sporting excellence, and councils are ready to seize the opportunity."