WAR Memorial Park will see plenty of BMX, scooter and skateboarding action as people of all ages and abilities are invited to try out the sports. 

The Jam will take place on Sunday, September 17, from 10.30am to 5.30pm, with the aim of raising awareness and funds for The Stoke Park - an idea by a group of Basingstoke residents to provide a safe and supervised place for people to enjoy the sports, free of drugs, bullying and reduced risk of injury. 

The event will also have music, food, and a number of competitions in various categories for people to take part in. There will be prizes and medals for attendance in specific sessions.

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Founder of The Stoke Park charitable organisation, Steve Peach, said: "We want to foster, through the development of the skate and BMX scene and with the goal of an indoor park, the essence of the action sports community - support and mentoring, friendship, family, tolerance and challenging one's self. 

"This jam will cast the foundations for what we hope will become a thriving scene of action sports and a huge boost to youth sports and activities in Basingstoke."

The Stoke Park aims to support all members of the community including young people, women, and people with disabilities to enter “wheeled” sports in a positive community and safe space, as well as tackling economic disadvantage, anti-social behaviour, obesity, and poor mental health.

The idea also plans to deliver development programmes for coaching and excellence in all disciplines and support and develop professional standard riders and skaters. 

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Geoff Towns is a Basingstoke resident with two young children and a wider family who have always been interested in the sport. He said: "We have been working closely with Basingstoke and Deane council and will be submitting our plan to them in the coming weeks.

"The council have been extremely supportive in helping us identify suitable locations but now we need to demonstrate the real need for such a facility and this is where the jam and the public are critical."

More information on The Stoke Park can be found at thestokepark.co.uk.