GLL counting down to the games
GLL COUNTING DOWN TO THE GAMES
GLL Sport Foundation athletes from across London supported themed countdown events across the weekend of 23-24 of July 2011 to mark the "1 Year To Go" point in the run up to the Games.
GLL ran a series of events across boroughs and districts to showcase to young future sporting stars and the wider community what the Games will bring to us all. The Foundation athletes shared their sporting careers, their aspirations leading to the Games. They also took part in numerous activities to further inspire our local communities.
Foundation athletes included,
- Perri Shakes-Drayton GB 400m hurdler and Nathan Wake GB junior 400m runner (attended London Borough of Tower Hamlets).
- Charles Turner GB sprint freestyle swimmer (attended London Borough of Ealing).
- Alexandra Rickham GB Paralympic sailor (attended London Borough of Hackney).
- Zac Purchase MBE; GB rower (attended Reading Council)
Perri and Nathan were present at GLL Track Stars athletics competition at Mile End Park Leisure Centre.
Perri explained "Raising the awareness of sport and the upcoming 2012 London Olympics is key to me, I want to help inspire the next generation and continue to get more people involved in sport".
"1 year to go is a significant date to me, with the key training I am putting in towards both a key 2011 season and the ultimate 2012 London Olympics".
Nathan echoed these comments "Events like this are essential to ensuring Britain has a bright future in sport and its great to see so many youngsters enjoying and participating in Olympic sport".
Charles Turner supported young swimmers at Gurnell Leisure Centre in Ealing
Charles said "I have had a fantastic time with the kids today sharing my experience and explaining the training from learning to swim through to swimming club I have had to undertake to get to this stage in my career. The kids demonstrated an enthusiasm about the Games in London next year and asked a varied and interesting range of questions; my favourite being 'how many lengths do you swim every week?' I love encouraging the kids to work hard during their swimming lessons with the aim to achieve as much as I have in my swimming career. Its amazing to see the enjoyment the kids get out of their swimming sessions and hope that their enthusiasm about the London 2012 Games and involvement in sport continues well beyond 2012!"
Alexandra Rickham supported a Disability Sailing event at Stoke Newington West Reservoir in the London Borough of Hackney, she offered tips to youngsters. Alexandra also was part of the cake presentation ceremony which signed off a very successful open weekend.
Zac Purchase MBE was on hand at Rivermead Leisure Centre in Reading to offer training tips and encouragement to the next generation of young sailors. Zac joined Lead Councillor for Culture and Sport Marian Livingston in processions for donations for 'The Boat Project' that will sail along the south east coast to the London Olympic site.
Zac said "Achieving success in sport has always been my ultimate goal and I am now fully focussed on following up our gold medal success in Beijing with gold on home water at London 2012. Having a clear end goal has always enabled me to plan ahead and keep motivated. Whatever any individual has set as their goal in life, I am a firm believer that anything can be accomplished through hard work, motivation and unwavering commitment to succeed. It is passion and commitment that drives you forward to reach your targets and realise your dreams."
GLL and our council partners are supporting milestone events leading to the Games to maximize the opportunity for all our local communities to get involved and benefit from this once in a life time historic event.
For more information and opportunities across the GLL Sport Foundation view www.gllsportfoundation.org