Would you like to race an Olympic swimmer, play water polo or learn how to synchronise swim?

These are just some of the activities being held at Blackburn Sports and Leisure Centre for an open weekend on Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22. But booking is essential as places are limited.

And seven of the GB’s top swimming champions will be coming along on the Saturday to share their expertise–

• Steve Parry –Olympic Bronze Medallist and BBC/Five Live Pundit
• Sharron Davies – Olympic Silver Medallist and BBC Pundit
• Zoe Reeve – Former GB synchronised swimmer and finalist on Britain’s Got Talent with the underwater group Aquabatique
• Anastasija Bates – a synchro swimmer for the GB team from 2011-2013 and also competed at the Junior World championships
• Jo Jackson – Olympic Bronze Medallist
• 2012 Waterpolo Olympic athletes Fiona McCann London and Rosie Morris London 2012 Olympian

The event is being delivered by Blackburn with Darwen Council in conjunction Total Swimming as part of the celebrations for the opening of the new £13m centre.

The pool will be closed on Saturday to the general public except for the booked activities but will be open as usual on the Sunday.

Throughout the weekend, there will be lots of free taster classes in the aerobics and spin studios and activities in the sports halls too. Visitors will also be able to and register on the swimming lessons (adult and child), sign-up for a Regency membership and  pick up information about the new programme of swimming times and the brand new Water Slides.

Booking is essential for many of the activities. For further information visit www.blackburnleisurecentre.com or to book call (01254) 662619 or email swimming.development@blackburn.gov.uk for a consent form.

On the Saturday, there is something for everyone from babies to pensioners. In the morning, from 10.30am until 12.10pm, there are sessions in Rookie Lifeguard,  CPR, Synchro, Fast Swim and mini water polo.

Followed by chance to race an Olympic swimmer !

In the afternoon, there is Parent and Baby Splash between 1pm and 3pm; Swimfit between 1pm and 3pm; Splash for fun for the under 5s between 3 and 4.00pm in the small pool and a fab, fun Pool party between 3.00pm and 4.00pm in the large pool.

On the Sunday between 10am and 4pm, there will be lots of free taster sessions in the sports halls, aerobic studios and gym.

Steve Parry said: “I’m hugely excited about being involved in the launch day at Blackburn with Darwen’s new state of the art pool. It’s obvious a lot of planning has gone into providing a brilliant facility for the whole community. Whether  you’re a parent visiting with a young child, a teenager or senior swimmer,  it’s a great place to work out.”

For further information, about the new leisure centre follow www.facebook.com/blackburnsportsleisurecentre or visit  www.blackburnleisurecentre.com/.