NOW entering its fifth year, the annual Farnham Community Games is once again all set for the August Bank Holiday Monday, this year taking place on the August 29, based at the Farnham Rugby Club.

The annual event is a legacy initiative stemming from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, though this year there should be added interest as the Rio 2016 Games will be taking place around the same time.

The 2012 Olympic torchbearer from Farnham, Gail Whattingham, said: “It’s a great showcase for sport in Farnham where the community can come down and try out a massive range of sports all provided by the local sports clubs.

“And it’s completely free to take part so please, everyone, make a special note of this event in your diaries.”

Alan Taylor, chairman of Farnham Swimability (formerly the Farnham Sports Association for the Disabled) added: “It’s an inclusive day of sport. The organisers, Farnham Sports Council, are very keen to ensure that everyone is welcome and provided for.”

Some 35 different sports clubs are anticipated to attend the Farnham event regarded by the national organisers as one of the “iconic” events among the 1,000 or so Community Games events taking place around the country.

David Gill, chairman of Farnham Sports Council said: “We are very fortunate to have a superb venue to host the annual Community Games in Farnham and we value and appreciate having the excellent, modern facilities available to us at the rugby club and the David Lloyd Club, both of them support us every year.

“The partnership working element is really vital to us and we are grateful for the added support we receive from Farnham Town Council, Waverley Borough Council, Active Surrey, Sainsbury’s in Water Lane and not forgetting the fantastic support we receive from local sports clubs.”