Olympic legends sprinting towards Wakefield district
16th July 2009
Sport stars of the future are under starter’s orders to meet two Olympic legends when they visit Wakefield district this month.
Young people from across the district are being invited to come and race in front of Linford Christie and Darren Campbell as the former sprinters search for future talent ahead of the London 2012 Olympics.
The stars’ visit to Featherstone is all part of their Street Athletics Nuff Respect project which aims to get young people involved in sport.
Wakefield Council has been working with the Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) on a Sport Legacy project which has been running in Featherstone since April 2007. It aims to make fitness sessions for young people living in Coalfield communities more accessible, affordable and fun.
Cllr Denise Jeffery, Wakefield Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for sport, said: “It’s going to be amazing having such world-famous stars coming to the district to work with us to promote sport. If we can encourage our young people to take part in sport it not only helps them lead a healthier life, but can also raise their ambitions so they can go for gold.”
Linford Christie said: “Street Athletics is an amazing project now in its fifth year and we have seen thousands of young people taking part in races across the country. We’re hugely excited about coming to Featherstone with Street Athletics 2009 in an attempt to seek out the best raw talent the country has to offer.”
Darren Campbell added: “Athletics has shown me that anything is possible if you put your mind to it and Street Athletics will give young people in Featherstone the opportunity to test themselves whilst having lots of fun. To me, everyone who takes part will have taken that first step in achieving their dreams.”
Peter McNestry, CRT chair, said: “The Coalfields Regeneration Trust is dedicated to improving the health and well being of children throughout former coalfield communities. By bringing top class athletes and coaches with world pedigree to heart of the community we hope the CRT’s Sports Legacy programme will inspire the next generation of young athletes to pound the streets, tracks and playing fields in the pursuit of success and happier, healthy lives.”
Schools in the district have been taking part in Sports Legacy sessions and young people from across the district are being welcomed to attend the Nuff Respect event on Lister Close, Featherstone, from 10am - 6pm on Sunday, July 19.
As well as racing, there will be a music and dance competitions, offering tips to all the local acts taking part.