Saffron Lane Sports Centre Re-Opened Today (Leicester City Liberal Democrats)

Leicester City Liberal Democrats <joan.garrity@leicester-libdems.org.uk>

Saffron Lane Sports Centre Re-Opened Today

July 11, 2006 11:43 AM

Jonathan Edwards, Council Leader Roger Blackmore and Ward Councillor, Dale Keeling.

Former Olympic triple jump champion, Jonathan Edwards has re-opened Saffron Lane Sports Centre today following a £1.4million refurbishment.

Upgraded facilities include a £400,000 synthetic track surface, state-of-the-art field sports equipment and new changing facilities.

As well as opening the sports centre, Jonathan Edwards - who is now on the board of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games organising committee - will be promoting the London games with the Olympic Roadshow Bus.

Around 30 city primary and secondary schools have taken part in a range of cultural dance displays and sports activities as part of the opening day celebrations.

Cllr Roger Blackmore, Leader of Leicester City Council said: "The new sports centre will ensure that all local athletes have access to excellent training facilities which will hopefully inspire them to reach their personal goals in good time for the 2012 London Olympics".

The Olympic Roadshow Bus will travel 3,000 miles around the country sharing the plans for the games, and updating on progress for the event. It aims to remind local communities, businesses and other agencies about the opportunities that the London Olympic Games will bring for the whole country.

Refurbishment work has been partly funded by a £160,000 grant from Sport England. The work took 11 months to complete. The track opens to the public on Monday 31st July.