From Harold Larwood to Carl Froch, from Nottingham Racecourse to Field Mill, Nottinghamshire’s wealth of sporting heritage is being celebrated through a programme of events to coincide with a national celebration of the history of sport.

The UK’s first national Sporting Heritage Day takes place on 30 September and Nottinghamshire County Council has teamed up with a host of local sports venues and organisations to present a week of local events, taking place from 29 September to 5 October.

All the events are free of charge, ranging from behind the scenes tours at some of the county’s major sporting venues and activity taster sessions at leisure centres to a sports quiz and a free entry to a day at the races.

Details about all the events, including timings and any booking details are available at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/sportsheritage
The full programme is:

– 27 Sept (1pm-4pm): Mansfield Town Centre; family fun event – explore Mansfield’s sporting heritage, test your football skills with Mansfield Town FC and take part in the trophy trail.

– 28 Sept (9.30am-5pm): Oak Tree Leisure Centre, Mansfield; open day, free activities and sports heritage competition. Activities must be booked by calling 0345 000 0231.

– 29 Sept (9.30am-4pm): River Maun Recreation Centre, Mansfield; open day, free activities and sports heritage competition. Activities must be booked by calling 0345 000 233.

– 29 Sept – 4 Oct (10am-4pm): Museum of the Horse, Tuxford; free entry to a special exhibition celebrating famous Notts sports horses (normal admission price £4 / £2).

– 30 Sept (11am-12pm and 2pm-3pm): Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, West Bridgford; Fascinating, behind-the-scenes guided tour of the world famous cricket venue. Must pre-book by calling 0115 981 9939.

– 1 Oct (gates open 12.20pm, first race 2.10pm): Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park; Free entry to the races for people with an NG postcode. ID with postcode needed on entry.

– 1 Oct (9.30am-4pm): Water Meadows, Mansfield; open day, free activities and sports heritage competition. Activities must be booked by calling 0345 000 0232.

– 1 Oct (7pm-8pm): Mansfield Rugby Club; guided tour behind-the-scenes, find out more about how the club has developed and how you can get involved. Booking essential by email to: [email protected]

– 3 Oct (1pm-6pm): Rebecca Adlington Swimming Centre, Mansfield; open day, free activities and sports heritage competition. Activities must be booked by calling 0345 000 0230.

– 3 Oct (doors open 7.30pm, start 8pm): Rolls Royce Leisure, Hucknall; A Question of Nottinghamshire Sport quiz, celebrating the county’s sporting heritage. Suitable for people aged 16 and over. Free entry, pie and pea supper available priced £5

Councillor John Knight, Chairman of Culture Committee at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Nottinghamshire is known throughout the country as ‘the sporting county’, which is hardly surprising when you consider the all conquering teams and individuals the county has produced over the years, not to mention world class sporting venues we have, such Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, the National Water Sports Centre and the City Ground.

“Sport provides a major source of community cohesion and local identity, health and well-being and education – not to mention the huge economic benefits of hosting major events.

“We are extremely grateful to all the sports clubs and venues who have joined the first Nottinghamshire Sports Heritage week. By organising these events around our sporting past, our aim is to get more people involved in sport and heritage in the present and the future.”

Venues and organisations throughout the country are organising events to mark Sporting Heritage Day but it it thought Nottinghamshire is the only place where a countywide series of events is being held. For further information about the national event visit www.nationalsportingheritageday.co.uk