Olympic swimmer Ross Davenport has awarded Blaby District Council with funding for sport and physical activity projects during his visit to the district.
Council leader Ernie White accepted the cheque for £122,425 on behalf of the Council, which incorporates funding for school sport, exercise referral and Sportivate programmes.
It will provide physical activity opportunities for health, specifically targeting those most in need within the Blaby district. This will include activities for people at all life stages, from ToddlerTown to Indoor Kurling, Zumba to seated exercise being delivered in local communities.
Cllr. White said:
“I am delighted to accept this cheque on behalf of the Council and on behalf of the district. The funding will provide more opportunities for residents to partake in sport and physical activities and people of all ages will be able to benefit.”
Ross presented the cheque at Enderby Leisure Centre during a “Coffee with an Olympian” session where members of the public were able to quiz the swimmer and find out all about his Olympic journey.
The three-time Olympic Swimmer and Commonwealth Gold Medalist said:
“It’s great to see such a diverse range of sport and physical activity opportunities available in this area. I really enjoy visits into community sport settings as it gives me the chance to share my enthusiasm and passion for sport with likeminded people. I hope that I can inspire some of them to go on and achieve amazing things.”
During the day Ross also took part in Q+A sessions with pupils from Countesthorpe College, Brockington College and Redhill Primary School, as well as running a motivational workshop with Leicester Sharks Swimming Club and coaching local swimming lessons at Enderby Leisure Centre.
The swimmer’s visit was part of the Leicestershire and Rutland Sports Olympic and Paralympic Roadshow, a programme of events that has been coordinated by Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport and supported by Inspire LeicesterShire 2012 Legacy Team.
For more information contact the Health and Leisure team at Blaby District Council on 0116 272 7703 or email leisure@blaby.gov.uk
Alternatively visit www.lrsport.org/olympicandparalympicroadshow
See also EYE News Item April 27th 2013: Olympic stars to spend time in Enderby and Huncote