Manchester gets ready for 2012 Games
Hugh Robertson sees behind-the-scenes preparations for Olympics and Paralympics.
Sport and Olympics Minister visited Manchester yesterday to see how young people and elite athletes听are getting .
鈥淢anchester is one of the UK鈥檚 great sporting cities and is already making a massive contribution to the 2012 Olympics and the wider world of sport,鈥� said Mr Robertson.
鈥淢any of our top athletes are basing themselves in the city so they can train at its world class facilities, and a number of other national teams are looking to base themselves here in the run-up to the Games.鈥�
Cycling
At the Minister saw first-hand some of Britain鈥檚 leading sprint track riders and para-cyclists being put through their paces in an afternoon training session, including four-time Olympic Gold medallist and rising star , alongside multi-medal winning Paralympians and .
鈥淵ou can鈥檛 help but be impressed by the set-up here in Manchester, in terms of the facilities which are second to none,听and the sense of professionalism combined with听a winning mentality you see in the coaches and riders alike,鈥� said Mr Robertson.
Battle Back initiative
He also met who joined the Great Britain Para-Cycling Team via , a scheme between Paralympics GB and the Ministry of Defence which helps wounded service personnel return to an active life with the help of adventure training and sport.
Staff at the (EIS) have played an important part in the success of British Cycling and Mr Robertson was able to see the very detailed and precise science behind the sport at the EIS鈥檚 facilities at Manchester鈥檚 SportsCity complex.
Something to Chew on
Mr Robertson also took part in some training of his own at Sacred Heart Primary School, where he joined year 4 pupils taking part in , a healthy eating and lifestyle education scheme which has received a for its work in promoting some of the key values of the Games.
Further infomation
- 听