Blackpool hosts popular Olympics game

The UK is a competitive nation, and its residents are avid fans of a range of sports. Two of the most competitive cities in the UK are Blackpool and London, the latter of which is going to host the worldwide summer championships in 2012. In Blackpool, cricket is a particularly popular sport, and the Blackpool Cricket Club took home the league cup back in 2005. The local football club and rugby club also carry a high profile and attract plenty of local fans. Part of the reason sports like cricket, football and rugby are so popular is because everyone is widely aware of the rules. In fact, many play in neighbourhood leagues themselves. Since these sports are so accessible, they are perfectly suited for some of the nationally organised competitions that are being played to generate enthusiasm for the summer championships in 2012.

Of the three sports mentioned - cricket, rugby and football - football is the only sport actively contested in the summer events schedule. Cricket is recognised but not played, and Rugby is slated for inclusion in the 2016 events. But a sport doesn't have to be an Olympics game to foster a fun and friendly competitive spirit among friends. That's why many people in Blackpool are playing all three of these sports as part of an online competitive campaign. Contestants registry online and then set up their own competitive matches. There are two main teams across the nation, and when you sign up you have the option to choose "stars" or "spots" as your team moniker. Then it's up to you and your rivals to play the match. The winning team announces their victory on that website, and points are awarded. By winning enough competitions and accruing enough points, you can qualify for prizes and trophies.

The website also suggests a few extracurricular challenges that competitors can enrol in. This is a great way for residents of Blackpool to prove their athletic mettle and show the world that London is not the beginning and end of the UK sports scene. When completing one of the online challenges, you have to document the experience and upload them to the website. Online judges review all of the entries and then award a handsome cash prize to the winner. Granted, most of these challenges are a little bit silly, and none of them are featured as an official event. Even so, they can be lots of fun and add an element of competition to a holiday spent in Blackpool. This quintessential English seaside resort is well-known for its piers and tower. It wows visitors with the evening "illuminations" and a healthy selection of amusement park rides. In total, more than 16 million tourists make it out here this year, so if you decide to stage any of your "stars" and "stripes" competitions in Blackpool, you won't have any problem finding worthy competitors. There is no more exciting way to spice up a holiday by the sea, and you'll leave primed for the big 2012 events in London.