EXCITEMENT is building ahead of the Rio Olympics, with Bradford set to be one of nine official Team GB ‘fan zones’ across the country.

The 2016 Olympic Games get under way in just two weeks’ time.

People will be able to watch all the action – and even try out some of the sports – at City Park.

Team GB, the national governing bodies of various sports and local sports clubs are teaming up with Bradford Council to put on a host of activities.

There will be two full-size table tennis tables set up throughout the Olympic Games with bats and balls supplied to anyone interested in taking part and members of local clubs offering encouragement and tips.

Volleyball England is setting up a ‘come and try’ court for people to have a go at the sport.

On certain days, there will also be a Go Spike volleyball cage – an 8m by 8m enclosure which keeps the ball within a certain perimeter.

Live action and highlights of the Olympic Games will be shown on the big screen from noon until early evening.

Crowds will be able to cheer on some of the local members of Team GB, including Olympic heroes Alistair and Jonny Brownlee and their fellow triathlete Gordon Benson, Otley cyclist Lizzie Armitstead, Keighley boxer Muhammad Ali and Denholme weightlifter Rebekah Tiler.

The UK is four hours behind Brazil and people are advised to check the schedule carefully if there are certain events they want to see.

Former Olympic gymnast Beth Tweddle said: “There is something very special about everyone coming together to support Team GB.

“I’d encourage fans around the UK to visit a FanZone during the Olympic Games and show the athletes in Rio that they are behind them.

“It is great to see Bradford backing Team GB ahead of another exciting Olympic Games and they’d love as many fans as possible to visit.”

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s executive member for sport, said: “We’re proud to be chosen as one of nine cities as an Official Team GB FanZone.

“It will be great for local people to come down to City Park and share in any Team GB successes.

“I would also like to encourage people to ‘have a go’ at the sporting activities we are bringing along with Team GB to feel a part of the action.”

Children from Clayton Village Primary School visited City Park yesterday to tell council bosses all about a Rio-themed project they have been doing at their school.

Staff member Vicky Drake said: “The children have been talking about the Olympics in relation to their own sports day and they are so excited about coming down to City Park and showing their enthusiasm.”