EAST Lancashire's biggest ever Carram tournament is just one event planned for a sporting extravaganza in the Millennium.

The tournament, which was held in Blackburn for the first time ever last year, has been put back to January when organisers are hoping to attract up to 100 entrants for the Carram competition.

But it is just one of a host of events to be staged at Bangor Street Community Centre next year.

Carram is a popular board game where each player has a total of 10 counters, one of which is a red counter.

The aim of the game is to pocket all nine counters and then the red and the first player to pocket all 10 is the winner.

Last year's inaugural event attracted 40 players but organisers believe there is scope to attract a lot my entries. However competitors from East Lancashire and beyond will also take part in basketball and volleyball competitions in the two day event.

Event organiser Salim Sidat says the event has been put back to make sure it is one to remember.

He said: "Last year's event was very successful but the one we are holding in January should be even bigger as we are planning to stage it over two days."

Carram is the main Asian heritage board game and its popularity is that it can be played by people of all ages.

Mr Sidat added: "You don't have to be super fit to play Carram and it can be played by everyone. It is a perfect way of bringing the community together."

However the volleyball and basketball events promise to be a lot more competitive with teams from across the North West expected to take part.

Mr Sidat said: "Blackburn has some very good volleyball teams and we are very excited about the possibility of playing host to some of the better teams from around the area. And the same goes for the basketball also.

"We are letting every know early about the weekend because we want as many people as possible to be involved."

Anyone interested in taking part in any of the events should contact Salim Sidat on 01254 693884.

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