Young people from Southend YMCA are tackling a World Record challenge on Saturday 13th October at Chase Sports and Fitness Centre. Southend.

From 1pm until 5pm at the Centre in Prittlewell Chase, they are joining five million other people across the world, all playing basketball – or shooting hoops – together in one day.

This global attempt, called ‘Hoop Springs Eternal,’ forms part of Southend YMCA’s Sports Festival 2012 and is backed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).

It was devised to celebrate the fact that the YMCA invented basketball back in 1891.

The fantastic Swifts Basketball team will be on hand to guide and coach participants, helping them throw balls and trying to ensure the world record is smashed!

Nav Oojageer otherwise known as The Bald MC will be DJ-ing and there will be lots of taster sessions for people to enjoy such as laser combat, power hooping, yoga, military fitness, capoeira,- a Brazilian martial art combining dance and music -  and much more.

Anyone can be part of this world record attempt and all participants will receive a certificate of participation as a keepsake.

It is a family friendly event and all age groups are welcome.

There is free admission for those who have raised £20 or more, but otherwise tickets cost £5 and include automatic entry into a prize draw.

Tickets are available on the door and from: http://www.southendymca.org.uk/component/ohanah/southend-ymca-sports-festival-hoop-springs-eternal/registration.html or by calling 01702 301301

Members of Southend YMCA’s Team YP Sports Programme - 30 young people aged 11 upwards - will be fundraising for this event.

To support them please visit: http://www.justgiving.com/teamyp

For more information please contact Southend YMCA on 01702 301301 or email: communitygames@southendymca.org.uk

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Executive Councillor for Culture and Tourism, Councillor Derek Jarvis said: “This is a most exciting challenge, so we hope as many people as possible will support it by taking part themselves, or sponsoring others to do so.

“It is part of an enthralling sports festival with attractions for all the family.”