Shepherd's Bush shopping centre West 12 is encouraging young people to get active this weekend by running free sports activity workshops for children on Saturday February 18 and Sunday 19 to include hula-hoop, sprinting and relay races.

The workshops will take place in the mall from 10am until 2pm each day and will be led by a top children’s sports instructor.

One lucky youngster from each day will also get the chance to win the kit of their favourite sports team as a reward for all their hard work.

This weekend, the centre will also reveal the winner of its Youth Sports Star competition, which aims to recognise and support a rising young sports star whose ambition is to one day be part of the UK Olympic or Paralympic team.

The chosen rising sports star will receive £500 towards sports kit to assist with their on-going training.

Gavin Waller, centre manager at West 12 says: " It’s important to give young people support and encouragement early on in their sports training, as it is these youngsters who we may be seeing at future Olympic Games.

" In our search for West 12’s Youth Sports Star we hope to hear from a diverse range of youngsters whose passion for sport and training deserves to be recognised. In the age of technology and video games it's easy for children not to be active. By running free sports workshops during half-term we hope to encourage and inspire young people to give up the video games and be active."

The competition, open to under 18s who live in the Shepherd’s Bush, Hammersmith and Fulham area, is a first for West 12 and aims to recognise and reward youngsters living in the local community who have real sporting talent.

To be in with a chance of winning entrants can either send in their own submission or be nominated by a teacher, parent, friend or coach. All nominees must have competed at county or regional level for their school or sports club and either live or go to school in West London.

The winner of West 12’s Youth Sports Star will be invited to the centre on Saturday February 18 where they will be presented with their prize. Closing date for entries is February 13.

For more information about West 12’s Youth Sports Star and how to enter, visit West 12's website or email west12sport@pegasuspr.co.uk.

January 24, 2012