Olympics fanzone for Swansea’s Castle Square

Castle Square will be transformed into a city fanzone for the Olympics.

Swansea Council is laying astroturf down on part of the square and putting deckchairs in place for people to enjoy the action live from Rio on the big screen.

Team GB Olympic branding has also now been put up around the screen. Barrier wraps and banner flags will also be put up, and huge outdoor bean bags will soon be available for people to sit on.

Castle Square’s Official Team GB FanZone will be showing coverage from Brazil from 11am to 8pm everyday throughout the Olympics from Saturday August 6 as part of the summer’s Enjoy Swansea Bay programme.

Twelve medals will be won on Saturday. Among those in action on the day is Tour de France winner Chris Froome, who will be tackling a cycling road race course taking in cobbles, climbs and the iconic Copacabana beach.

Sunday’s action could include legendary US swimmer Michael Phelps, who’s already won 18 gold medals in the pool at past Olympics.

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Regeneration, said: “The atmosphere in Castle Square for the recent Wales games at Euro 2016 was electric, so we hope people will again flock there to cheer on the Team GB athletes at the Rio Olympics.

“The combination of the astroturf and deckchairs will generate a fantastic visiting experience for people who choose to go along and watch the likes of Andy Murray, Jessica Ennis and Mo Farah defend their Olympic titles.

“The availability of the Olympics on the big screen also gives people working and shopping in the city centre the chance to stop by and keep up with the action while they’re on the move.

“Four years ago, the London Olympics brought the whole country together, so we’re delighted that Castle Square has been selected to be an Official Team GB Fanzone for the Rio Games.”

Swansea Council’s sports development team will be arranging come-and-try activities in Castle Square during the Games, giving people the chance to experience Olympic sports and then signposting them to local sports clubs.

The Active Swansea leisure centre in Penyrheol is also getting in on the action. An Olympic torch is arriving at the centre on Friday August 5 at 1pm, and a number of activities for both five to seven-year-olds and eight to 14-year-olds have been organised there throughout the Games in Rio. Sports available include hockey, kayaking, water polo, volleyball, tennis, badminton and athletics.

Have a look at www.activeswansea.com or call the centre on 01792 897039 for more information.