MARK RIDGWAY looks at the potential local legacy of the 2012 Olympics

CHESTER sports clubs are reporting a huge surge of fresh interest as a direct result of London 2012.

Enthusiasts of all ages and abilities, riveted by the exploits of Team GB, now want to have a go themselves. And it is the less-publicised, so-called ‘minority sports’ that have been given the biggest lift by this feelgood factor.

Handball, fencing and archery are among sports receiving a boost as locals flock to city clubs, inspired by the exploits of our athletes.

Claire Wilson, chief executive of Chester Academy, which helps coach people in a whole host of sports, said: “The Games created a positive vibe. We’ve noticed a great increase in interest, especially from adults,” she said. “People have taken to fencing a lot, I think because it’s quite stimulating to watch.”

Clubs are determined to capitalise on this opportunity of a lifetime.

Stephen Jameson, chairman of Deva Handball Club, has already made plans to continue the Games legacy.

“Now is the first time handball has had real exposure, the Olympics are massive as the sport has by-passed Britain until now,” he said.

“We’re planning an open session free of charge to encourage people to come and throw a ball like they see on TV.

“I’m confident the influx will continue. I think the sport can only continue to grow, we’ve got more resources here and the improvements are clear to see.”

Deva Handball, established in 2003, has 100 members and recently received their first sponsor.

Back at the Chester Academy, which has around 150 members, taster days will give the public a chance to tackle a sport with which they may be unfamiliar.

Wilson said: “The taster days will allow people to see if they like it for free, it’s our way of capitalising on the Olympic hype.

“We want to create a legacy that won’t be forgotten after 2012, it’s all about keeping the ball rolling.”

Archery, too, is on target for a golden future with Cheshire County Bowmen vice-chairman Ian Finlay living proof of how the Games can inspire.

Finlay took up archery after watching coverage of the 2004 Athens Olympics and is now proud to be the World Fire Fighter Games champion after winning gold in South Korea two years ago

He said: “Once I saw it on TV I just fancied it. The Olympics are great for archery as people want to give it a try and realise anybody can do it, there’s no elitism.”

Finlay feels the TV coverage of the London Games has been crucial in raising the profile of the sport

He said: “I think the BBC coverage has been fantastic. It has raised the image of archery a lot and it can only help the sport.”

Cheshire County Bowmen, formed in 1966, are based at Cheshire County Officers in Upton.

With the Paralympic Games about to start, Chester clubs can see yet more opportunities.

West Cheshire College is relishing the Paralympic Torch coming to their base in Ellesmere Port on August 25.

Steph Garrett, assistant manager of health and well being at the college, is delighted everything has fallen into place.

She said: “Now the Games are happening the impact is huge. Around the college and community everyone is talking about the Games and we want the legacy to continue as well as to promote the Paralympic Games.”

The London Olympics have been in planning for seven years and Steph is sure that their success is due to dedication and preparation.

“The whole of the last year has been about getting ready for the Games,” she said.

“We’ve been thinking about it since last September, we wanted to connect the year with the Olympics and Olympic values,” she said.