A GIANT multi-sport outdoor gym has been installed in a St Albans park to inspire local people in the run-up to the London 2012 Olympics.

The adiZone has been created in Verulamium Park by Adidas, which is the official sportswear partner of the games and it is co-funded by St Albans district council and the Government’s Co-location Fund.

The 625 square metre zone, a permanent fixture, is now open and provides sports and physical activities that will feature in the games, including a basketball and tennis area, a climbing wall, an outdoor gym and a freestyle area to encourage dance, aerobics and gymnastics.

The adiZone is free to use and open all year round with local sports coaches and fitness instructors hosting a range of formal and informal activities. The scheme has already been installed in four of the London host boroughs and is now being introduced across the UK.

Seb Coe, chair of the London 2012 organising committee, said: “It’s fantastic to see Adidas expanding the adiZone programme to St Albans. The adiZones inspire young people to become more active and help make our vision of encouraging these young people to choose sport a reality.”

Cllr Anthony Rowlands, portfolio holder for sport and leisure, added: “The adiZone outdoor gym will add a new dimension to the sporting facilities available for local young people. Engaging in sport and physical activity is of great value. I am delighted that so many young people are set to benefit from the council successfully bidding for an adiZone.

Information about the activities to be on offer will soon be available at www.stalbans.gov.uk/adiZone.