ORGANISERS of the UK Corporate Games will be promoting Swindon as a tourist destination when they host international delegates from a number of different countries over the sporting weekend.

The games which are often referred to as the business Olympics kick off in two weeks' time at a number of locations within the borough.

But to coincide with the spectacular event, games managers will be working hard behind the scenes to ensure the town and the surrounding area is not merely left with a sporting legacy.

"Things are looking pretty good from an organisational perspective and everything seems to be going to plan," said the games managing director Ken O'Bryan.

"We have quite a few international delegates from Russia, Greece, Belgium, Spain and Bulgaria coming over and they will be in Swindon to have a look around from a tourism perspective.

"What we are trying to do is enhance tourism in the area because Swindon is set in a very beautiful part of the country and we want to promote that so people are coming to Swindon long after the games have gone.

"Dick Lovett has kindly provided us with drivers and cars and we will be using them to take VIPs around the area to show them all the various tourist attractions."

The games, which take place on the weekend of June 2 to 4, will see 21 sports, from running to football and dragon boat racing to tug-of-war, taking place at venues such as Lydiard Park and Coate Water.

But it is not just tourism that is set to benefit from the nationwide event.

To give businesses an even higher presence at the games, Swindon Council is organising a tented village at the hub of the event, Lydiard Park.

Companies signed up so far intend to use their marquees in a variety of ways, including as a base for competitors, for hospitality or as a venue to showcase their businesses.

To book a marquee at the event call Bev Rawlings at Swindon Council on 01793 465200 or email her at brawlings@swindon.gov.uk