Sporting hero Dalton Grant visited the borough last Tuesday (23 January 2007) to launch the council's FANS (Free Access for National Sportspeople) scheme at Robert Clack Sports Centre in Dagenham.
The former commonwealth gold medallist joined Councillor Dee Hunt, the former Mayor, Councillor Graham Bramley, Executive Member for the Olympics and potential Olympians to launch the scheme which gives athletes who qualify free access to gyms and swimming pools.
At the launch the former British high jumper, Dalton Grant said:
"I'm really pleased to have been invited to Barking and Dagenham to launch the FANS scheme.
"I think it is going to be very beneficial for Barking and Dagenham because of the level of participation and the way the local community has come together to support this. The most important thing is to leave a lasting legacy so that the kids can benefit.
He added: "Please take this chance you have now and grab it with both hands, don't waste the opportunity you have to represent your country. It is hard work but the most fulfilling achievement. I wish you all the best of luck."
The event marked the countdown to the Olympics, with 2012 days until the opening of the London 2012 Olympics.
The scheme allows anyone who lives or goes to school in the borough and who is currently in a national squad or currently ranked in the top 10 of any national age group ranking for any sport, free access to 2 of the 10 gyms and any of 3 swimming pools in the borough.
Councillor Graham Bramley, said:
"I'm proud and pleased to be supporting the FANS scheme today which is an important part of Barking and Dagenham's Olympic action plan.
"To begin our countdown we thought it would be timely to launch this scheme, which we hope will go some way to helping our young athletes achieve their dream of competing in the 2012 Olympics on home soil.
"Our hope is that the FANS scheme will ensure that the individuals have the opportunity to improve their general conditioning and fitness, and also be of benefit to any athlete in their recovery after injury.
"We have so much talent in this borough, so the council is determined to work with schools, its partners and local businesses to do everything it can to maximise these opportunities for our young talent."
Please look out for leaflets in schools and leisure centres giving details on how to apply for the scheme.
If you require further information about the scheme please contact Teresa Parish on 020 8227 2012.
January 2007
(Left to Right) Athletes Zoey Littlechild, Georgie Bean, and former British high jumper Dalton Grant, with Councillor Graham Bramley, Executive Member for the Olympics, and young athlete Bonne Buwembo launch the FANS scheme.
Lynn Knowles
Events, Play, Tourism and Olympics
4th Floor
Maritime House
1 Linton Road
Barking
IG11 8HG
Tel: 020 8227 2012
Fax: 020 8227 3129
Textphone: 020 8227 3034
Email: lynn.knowles@lbbd.gov.uk|
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