News
Ad van at Urban Games
Dated: 15 Aug 2012
[View Full Size]Youngsters visiting this weekend's Urban Games can take on board Northumbria Police's messages as part of the forcewide campaign focusing on anti-social behaviour.
Newcastle city centre will be transformed into a playground from Friday as the Games begin, celebrating urban arts and extreme sports.
The three-day event, at the Discovery Museum, Times Square and Grey's Monument, Grey Street, will include parkour contests, street dance, breakdancing, DJ and MC rap battles, BMXing and skateboarding.
And as part of 'Put yourself in their shoes' - promoting respect and tolerance for one another and making people think about how their actions can affect others - an advertising van will drive around the event displaying the campaign's key messages.
Newcastle City Centre Inspector, Darren Sweeney, said: "We fully support events like the Urban Games which allow youngsters to meet and channel their energies into activities such as sports.
"One of residents' main concerns continues to be young people hanging around street corners. However, if youngsters get involved in activities like this, they are taken away from such situations which are often perceived as anti-social.
"Anti-social behaviour is any aggressive, intimidating or destructive behaviour that damages another person's quality of life or impacts on the wider community.
"While people often focus on young people being the perpetrators, it can range from criminal behaviour to inconsiderate parking and noisy neighbours.
"This campaign is about highlighting the activity ongoing to reduce anti-social behaviour as well as showing that by being more tolerant and considerate and showing respect to each other, everyone can play a part in making our communities even better places to live."
Monjer Rashid, Urban Games Programme Manager, added: "The Urban Games is part of the region's Cultural Olympiad programme providing an alternative Olympics experience in the north east.
"There will be workshops, demos, competitions, performances and a showcase of the growing talents hidden within in our communities.
"Be part of one of the biggest and best events of 2012."
To report anti-social behaviour, contact Northumbria Police on 101, extension 69191.
Information on the Urban Games is available via the website, www.theurbangames.org.uk