Castle Vale to host 2012 Olympic Event

Castle Vale has been chosen to host a prestigious event for the 2012 Olympic Games. Most of the events will be held in London, but some are being farmed out to suitable locations in the UK. Castle Vale has been chosen as the site for the 20 Kilometre Walk (approx 12.4 miles). Around 400 competitors from over 80 different countries are expected to take part. It is one of the few Olympic events in which men and women compete together.

A spokesperson for the International Olympic Committee said: “We have investigated a number of sites in England for this event. Nowhere in and around London is suitable because of traffic, terrorism and health-hazard problems, but Castle Vale ticks all the right boxes. It is relatively traffic free, has not yet had any major terrorist incidents, is easy to isolate, flat, and generally clean. Wide pavements mean that there will be easy access for spectators, as this is generally a very popular event. The slow pace of the walkers gives a more satisfying spectatorial experience, and is popular with press photographers. Most importantly, our armed stewards will be able to monitor any potential terrorist threat to the walkers from vantage points such as the rooftops of Topcliffe and Chivenor House.”

The 20 kilometre walk is generally regarded as the slowest Olympic race. Walkers will have to complete five laps of the estate, taking in Farnborough Road, Manby Road, and Yatesbury Avenue. The provisional date for the event is August 4th 2012, though heavy showers forecast for that day by the Met Office Advanced Severe Weather Warning System may force the International Olympic Committee to consider pencilling in a contingency date.
August 5th 2012 is a possibility.