Mini Winter Olympics heads to Trafalgar Square

LONDON'S Trafalgar square is set to transform itself into a mini Winter Olympics, to mark the opening of the 2010 Games in Vancouver.

ALL CHANGE: Mayor of London Boris Johnson is encouraging Londoner's to turn out in force to celebrate the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics in Trafalgar Square (Getty Images)

Mayor of London Boris Johnson is inviting Londoners to the one of the capital's most famous landmarks on Saturday February 13 from 10am-6pm, to watch highlights of the opening ceremony of the Olympics on a giant screen.

Throughout the day members of the public will also be able to try their hands at a range of virtual winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding and bobsleighing, on games consoles located around the square.

Those who demonstrate the best virtual sporting skills will then be handpicked to compete in a tournament to be shown on the screen, with prizes awarded for the overall winner.

A four-metre high ice sculpture of the five Olympic rings will complete the free sporting celebration.

"Trafalgar Square will be bursting with excitement as we watch the world's elite winter sports athletes proudly represent their countries ahead of the biggest physical and mental challenge of their lives," said Mr Johnson.

"While we cannot bring the snowy slopes of Whistler to London, we are offering a fantastic day of interactive fun and competition to the heart of the host city of the next Summer Games.

"Vancouver 2010 is at the end of its long and exciting journey to stage the greatest winter sporting event on the planet. On behalf of London I wish our Canadian friends a fantastic Winter Games.

"With a huge sense of excitement I also welcome the fact that the world is now turning its attention to our capital, as the most amazing sports extravaganza on the planet will soon be upon us."