COUNCIL chiefs are praising the success of a multi-sport event held in the town last week.

Organisers believe they had almost 1200 children and young people trying out different activities as part of the 'Sport in the Square' event which took part over three days.

Development officer Neil Hart believes it was a great platform to showcase the different sports on offer in Bolton.

They ranged from boxing to gymnastics, rugby league to martial arts and cage football to boccia and there was something for everyone.

Hart said: "It was a great event and all of the kids taking part really seemed to enjoy it.

"The first morning was fantastic with lots of kids doing things but then the rain came and even though it was a bit squidgy under foot it did not stop the young people taking part.

"We were very lucky as there were almost 40 different sports to try and I think the freestyle gymnastics with Bolton Gymnastics Club was huge success as they loved jumping and running.

"We want to be inclusive and help everybody take part in some activities.

"For example there was boccia which is a disability sport but some of the children were taking part to see it.

"Then Wheels for All who have specially adapted bikes for people with disabilities or not and then there were racing wheelchairs to give the children got a chance to try them out and see how they work."

Hart added he was delighted with the success of the event which is becoming a regular part of the calendar.

"This is the third time we have run it in the square and we hope that we will be able to offer something similar next year to show what is available in Bolton.

"The important thing is from them trying a new sport we hope it can inspire them to take it up or alternatively it could be a case of someone already doing a sport and then they might find another activity to do instead.

"Our goal at Sport and Active Living is to try to get the young people to enjoy sport and get up off their couches and playing computer games and get them doing sports."

Bolton has a rich reputation of producing top junior and senior sports stars across many different fields and Hart believes it can only get stronger with events such as this one.

He said: "There was definitely some talent involved.

"I think the people from British Cycling will have been impressed with some of great cyclists and Bolton has some top clubs such as Bolton Hot Wheels for them to join.

"Then you have the gymnasts and also the cheerleading but those are just a few of the sports involved.

"I really think that in years to come some of the people who took part will be representing the area in a chosen sport soon."

Hart believes a lot of hard work went into the event.

He said: "We have to say a big thank you to all of the clubs who helped out.

"It was brilliant because the clubs are so pro-active approach in attracting new members and helping out to offer activities.

"Also Gary Ashton really organised the event and he is a student at Bolton University and he has done event organising modules in his course and I think he did a great job.

"He managed to arrange for the clubs to take part on different days and ensured there were plenty of fun activities on offer.

"We also need to praise our partners who support us and then also the 10 volunteers who came down every day and helped the Sport and Active Living staff in running the event."

If you want more information about taking part in different sports in Bolton tweet @SportinBolton or ring 01204 334933 or email sportandactiveliving@bolton.gov.uk