Grassroots sports will receive a financial boost from a budget Olympic camping scheme this summer.
A new initiative has been launched to provide alternative, low-cost accommodation during the 2012 Games.
Outdoor experts Camping at the Games have teamed up with a number of local schools and community sports grounds in London, Reading and Weymouth, to provide high quality camping pitches.
A night’s stay at any of their sites will cost no more than £10 per adult, and £5 per, with clean toilets, hot running showers, parking and access to a lively clubhouse all included.
Local sports clubs will benefit financially through camping fees and the additional activities they offer. Profits will go towards improving club facilities and developing grassroots talent.
Rhian Evans, co-founder and director of Camping at the Games said: “We wanted to make taking part in the Olympics affordable for everyone as this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
“We have joined forces with local sports clubs close to Olympic and Paralympic venues who can offer their facilities and atmosphere for less than a tenth of the price to provide great value accommodation that in turn will generate valuable revenue to be reinvested into community sport!”
Barking Rugby Club is one of the 10 participating venues involved in the scheme and will be welcoming hundreds of campers over the summer.
Neil Kersey, the club’s former director of rugby said: “Camping at the Games is a fantastic initiative which is utilising London's sports fields during what will be a very busy summer for the city. It's a unique scheme which is family-friendly and offers incredibly affordable accommodation, making the Olympic experience accessible to everyone."
Alex Teasdale, of the English Hockey Board added: “It’s fantastic that two great hockey clubs like Surbiton and Southgate are able to throw open their doors to host Camping Ninja during the Olympic Games. Hopefully, we’ll see thousands of people benefitting from affordable accommodation during the Games. The clubs themselves will be excellent hosts.”
Roger Evans AM, London Assembly Member for Havering & Redbridge near Eton Manor RFC and Barking RFC sites said: “Camping at the Games is a fantastic initiative which is utilising London's sports fields during what will be a very busy summer for the city. It's a unique scheme which is family-friendly and offers incredibly affordable accommodation, making the Olympic experience accessible to everyone"
Families and Games Makers – volunteers who will be helping ensure the smooth-running of the events – are expected to take advantage of the initiative.
Amy Stamp (27) from Peterborough, Cambridgeshire is one of the Games Makers. She said: “It is a great opportunity for both local sports clubs and Games Makers. I am looking forward to the atmosphere at the camp site – I imagine it will be a carnival atmosphere.
For more information visit www.campingatthegames.com