Paris 2024 is in full swing, and we’re feeling inspired. Whether it’s as a spectator or a budding athlete, here are three ways you can feel part of the games without leaving London’s Borough of Sport.

1, Watch the Olympics on the big screen in Wandle Park.

Olympic excitement is growing alongside team GB’s medal count, and we’re bringing the action to you on a Big Screen in Wandle Park.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic and settle in for some of the games’ most exciting events, including skateboarding, football and a range of other athletics events across the two days.

Toilets will be installed on site so residents can settle in for a full day of Olympics action.

Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 August. 12:00 – 8:30. Details here FREE Olympics Screening: watch Paris 2024 in Wandle Park 🏅 | Merton Council

2, Take the kids to make a splash with free swimming

Kids can swim free every day this summer, across our three leisure centres. So if your little ones are inspired by Adam Peaty and the rest of team GB in the pool, book in now to support them to master their front crawl.
Check the swimming timetable here.
Did you know: Morden Leisure Centre also has a range of diving boards, Dive For All sessions are bookable on the better website.

3, Get stuck into a new Olympic sport.

From newer additions like Breakdancing, bouldering and BMX-ing, right through to classics like rowing and swimming, there are tons of options to get stuck into this summer.

Breaking

Breaking is an urban dance style that originated in the United States in the 1970s. While the dance became more athletic, hip-hop music is still central to the sport. 2024 will be the first year breaking has featured in the Olympics.

Breaking in your Borough of Sport:

●JV Dance Fitness runs specialist breakdancing classes at The Lantern Theatre in Raynes Park, and is available for group workshops.

●Not ready to do the worm or a headstand? For a more general grounding in hip-hop dance, which includes elements of breaking, check out Urban Dance City, based at Canons Leisure Centre. First class free.

BMXing

Like breaking, Bicycle Motocross (BMX) Freestyle is another modern-day Olympic sport that originated in 1970s America. It went on to be part of X games – a tournament of more extreme sports – but BMX-ers are now a regular sight alongside skateboarding at half pipes in parks across London. In the Olympics, competitors are scored on speed, height  and the creativity of the moves they do in  a timed period.

Cycle to success in Merton:

●Merton BMX Track, run by Merton Saints BMX Club: This facility has recently had a substantial upgrade, thanks to Merton Council’s Civic Pride Funding. The track, already the longest in London, now also boasts an Olympic standard pro-start gate and LED lighting, and a new start hill is under construction and will make the track eligible to host national competitions. Head down to drop-in sessions, or join  as a member, to train for races and receive  a discount.

Climbing

Returning for its second Olympics is climbing, an immensely popular sport, with over  2.5m climbers worldwide, many aged under 18. In the Olympics, there are three types of climbing: speed climbing – a tense race against the clock and an opponent; bouldering – which involves lower height climbing without ropes; and the lead event – in which athletes have six minutes to climb a course in as few attempts  as possible.

Scale new heights in Merton:

●Visit The Boardroom climbing gym, located in Wimbledon Quarter. Prices from £8 for children, with regular bouldering safety courses.

●Colliers Wood Community Centre has a climbing wall, which is hired out to local groups and open to the public at selected times.  Drop in to see the timetable or call to enquire. 

Sailing and watersports

There are dozens of sailing and watersports events in the Olympics, from solo and group races to slalom canoeing. Team GB has an amazing track record in sailing – with a running total of 31 golds and 63 medals overall since the sport was introduced in 1900. In fact, no other nation has won more medals in sailing than Great Britain.

Nurture the next generation of sailing pros:

●Wimbledon Park Watersports and Outdoor Centre runs regular classes and holiday clubs for children and teens, as  well as providing one-to-one tuition and bespoke workshops for clubs or birthday parties.