'The country's sporting landscape has glittered with gold this year – and the story is no different in Leicestershire and Rutland as our teams and athletes have shone at all levels.

The 16th Leicester Mercury Sports Awards have been launched, sponsored by Champions (UK) plc, to recognise and reward the people who have lit up the sporting calendar.

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A new season of winter bike rides in and around Leicester warms up this weekend. The free guided rides, organised by Leicester City Council and British Cycling, give people the chance to cycle a choice of routes aimed at different levels of fitness and ability, under the watchful eye of qualified British Cycling ride leaders.

Inspire LeicesterShire organised a visit by London Organising Committee for Olympic & Paralympic Games Chairman, Lord Sebastian Coe KBE on Friday 12^th October. The event was hosted by Loughborough College and attended by Games Makers, Torch Bearers and schools.

A LEISURE centre is hosting an event encouraging people of all ages to get fit, healthy and active.

Braunstone Leisure Centre is staging the family health day on Saturday, October 20, from 10am to 2pm, which will give information on how taking steps to a healthier lifestyle.

The London 2012 Legacy Plans have now been made public. Published by sports minister, Hugh Robertson, the plans also include the £300m transformation of the Olympic Park into the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park; an annual £125m investment in elite sport ion the fun run up to the 2016 Games; and support for the Join In programme to build on the spirit of volunteering.

In the aftermath of London 2012, Leicester is preparing for a city wide sporting event of its own. The 6^th annual Leicester Marathon, organised by LOROS, will be starting from 9.00am from Victoria Park on Sunday 14th of October. As well as the full 26.2 mile Marathon, a newly introduced 5k Maza Fun Run will also be taking place from Abbey Park at 1pm. The wide range of running activities are designed to encourage runners of all ages and abilities to get involved.

Youngsters are getting the chance to learn sporting skills at a series of events at Leicester's Evington Park. The Tuesday evening sessions which run throughout September are introducing children aged eight to 14 to the skills needed to for athletics and a range of track and field events seen in the London 2012 Olympics.

Sports centres across Leicester are running a special offer this weekend to encourage visitors to try out new sports. On Sunday, September 2, admission at seven of the city's sports and leisure centres will cost only £2 for adults and £1.50 for under-16s as part of a scheme to get more people to experiment with new sporting activities.

Up and coming sprinters from across the city will be taking part in the grand final tonight of a scheme to help discover future Olympic talent.

Saffron Lane Sports Centre will host the thrills and spills of sprinting as 70 runners of all ages take part in a series of 60-metre races, on Wednesday, August 29, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.