THE FARNHAM Community Games is once again being staged on August Bank Holiday Monday with the support of a host of local sports clubs and athlete Isobel Pooley.

Leading up to the Olympic Games in Rio, Isobel, the 2014 Commonwealth silver medalist, was the British high jump record holder but the title was recently snatched away by rising heptathlon star Katarina Johnson-Thompson at the Olympic Games in Rio.

Event organiser David Gill said: “I’m delighted that Isobel will join us and in conjunction with Lewis Mason of Eagle Radio who will broadcast live at the event. She will also be shaving her head to raise money for charity as well as promoting sport.

“We’d also like to have had some Paralympic Games representation but our two local star athletes, Rachel Morris and Kylie Grimes, will both be preparing for action in Rio and we wish them well.”

Many local sports clubs in Farnham regularly support the town’s Community Games event and they offer taster sessions in their sport and answer questions and offer guidance on how to take up sport if visitors wish to do or know more.

Gail Whattingham, London’s 2012 torch carrier said: “If anyone in the community would like to try a wide variety of sports in an informal and fun setting, then this is the one day of the year when all the clubs come together for this purpose and it’s all free”.

The Farnham Community Games began in 2012 as a legacy event from the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics and is now in its fifth year.

Community Games events aim to encourage more people to take up sport and active lifestyles and also helps to promote local sports clubs, giving them a higher profile in the community.

David Gill added: “This is a very much a partnership venture and we are very grateful to all our key supporters. These include the host venues, the Farnham Rugby Club and the David Lloyd Club, as well as Farnham Town Council and Waverley Borough Council and the lead agency for sport in the county, Active Surrey.

“They all get behind us. We’re also grateful this year to Eagle Radio and Sainsburys, Water Lane for their support, as well as the Farnham Rock Choir, who’ll be doing the opening ceremony at noon.”

The Farnham Community Games is open to everyone and public car parking this year will be accommodated in the adjacent business park to ensure the safety of all visitors on the site.

The event takes place on August 29th from 12pm to 4pm.