BURY is set to become a hub of sporting activity in preparation for the 2012 Olympics.

Bury Council has announced plans to “host” a nation’s athletes for the forthcoming London Games.

At a meeting of the full council, members passed a motion to promote sport across the borough as Britain prepares for a decade of sporting events.

Leader of the council, councillor Bob Bibby, said he hopes to create a “lasting legacy” from the 2012 Games. He said: “Our newest freeman of the borough, Zoe Robinson, really put Bury on the map by winning gold at the Beijing Paralympics.

“Let’s hope all our young people — and the not so young — can be inspired by her achievements and get into the Olympic spirit.”

Schools and sports clubs are being encouraged to organise their own “mini Olympics” in the run-up to the Games.

Local Area Partnerships are being urged to produce healthy activities guides in line with priorities set out in their Local Community Plans.

The 2012 Olympic Games see the start of many large international sporting events taking place in Britain, including the rugby union, rugby league and cricket world cups.

Members of the council rejected Liberal Democrat proposals to produce a leisure card to be used in sports facilities across Greater Manchester.