Shropshire Star

Telford boxer Richie Woodhall to attend Hoo Farm's Olympic-themed event

The Rio Games may be over but visitors to Hoo Farm Animal Kingdom will get a taste of its very own Olympic spirit on Bank Holiday Monday.

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Fun activities at the Olympic-themed event at the tourist attraction on the outskirts of Telford will include the javelin, long jump, sack race, egg and spoon race, a welly winging competition, a sprint race, and a three-legged race.

Highlights will include the dad's egg and spoon sheep race that is scheduled for 3.15pm.

The finale will feature the signature sheep racing competition where the reigning champion "Bilbo Baggins", named after the Lord of the Rings character, will defend his title.

Commentary on the games will be provided by Hoo Farm's friendly owner Will Dorrell. There will be an award presentation by Telford boxer Richie Woodhall, a bronze medallist in the 1998 Seoul Olympics, in South Korea.

"I am delighted to support Hoo Farm on this special day.

"I think it's a great place for children to learn not just about British animals but wildlife from different parts of the world," he said.

Mr Woodhall commentated for the BBC on more than 150 Olympic matches in Brazil, alongside Ronald McIntosh.

The celebration event will start at 10am on Monday with a day full of activities for all the family.

Earlier this year visitors were treated to a sheep derby showcase with demonstrations of sheep shearing, wool spinning, and knitting, as well as the racing itself, which saw the triumphant Bilbo Baggins and Hopeful Harry bringing home plenty of blue ribbons.

Last month a record-breaking number of people came out to celebrate the 25th birthday of Hoo Farm.

About 2,700 people visited the attraction which opened for free as a thank you to local residents.

Hoo Farm partner Will Dorrell said: "It was great to see people arriving so early so we opened up and let the festivities begin.

"The whole day was a fabulous success. We're so grateful to everyone who shared our 25th birthday.

"We're looking forward to the next 25 years."

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