News from September 2008

For all those who attended the taster events, and for all those who would like to have a go, Sunday 5th October now sees the launch of the County Throws Academy and everyone of any ability is invited to come along.

The Throws Academy organised by the Lincolnshire Sports Partnership and coached by the former British and Commonwealth record holder Geoff Capes will be a monthly feature at the Boston Princes Royal Arena. Occurring on the first Sunday of every month, this is a great opportunity for County, and who knows we may find the next Geoff Capes.

To officially open the academy Geoff will be accompanied by three other international coaches, and together they will select throwers who show potential. The selected throwers will be coached in technique, strength & conditioning, & lifestyle management. Geoff is confident that he can develop all member of the academy to throw between 2-4 metres further.

However don’t worry if you are not selected for the academy as all attendees will be monitored and encouraged to join local clubs.

If you would like to find out more about the Throws Academy then call: Dave Carter on: 07940 954160 or e-mail dave.carter@lincolnshiresports.co.uk

England Netball and East Midlands Netball have been breaking down barriers to make sports participation easier for people with learning disabilities over the weekend.

‘Breaking the Barriers Disability Awareness Event’ was attended by almost 20 netball coaches, umpires and volunteers interested in helping people with learning disabilities, allowing them to gain experience and confidence when working in the sport.

Loughborough Lightning players Olivia Murphy and Natasha Hampshire took time out of training for the Co-operative Netball Superleague to participate in the day’s activities, supporting 13 participants with learning disabilities to improve their netball skills.

According to a recent Active People Survey, netball in this country has approximately 4,900 participants with a limiting disability or illness. This is three percent of the total of netball participants.

Jenny Hotchkiss, Regional Services Manager at England Netball said: “Netball has a lot to offer a whole range of different participants and it is so important that events like this take place to encourage more people with learning disabilities to take part. I hope that this event has given attendees the knowledge and confidence needed to make existing clubs more accessible and to encourage new community activity in the East Midlands region.”

All over the UK Paralympic celebrations will be taking place, and in Lincoln the Lincolnshire Sports Partnership has organised a Paralympic Activity Day at Sincil EBT School, South Park, Lincoln. The event will be attended by 5 x marathon runner Richard Whitehead. Richard who is a bilateral through-knee amputee also competed in Sledge Hockey at the 2006 Turin Paralympics.

During the activity day children with physical disabilities from St Francis School, children with severe learning difficulties from Queens Park School, and children with emotional & behavioural difficulties from Sincil School will be introduced to a range of Paralympic sports including; Sitting Volleyball, Wheelchair Football, New Age Kurling & Boccia. In addition a range of cultural educational activities will be available for the children to have a go at.

The event starts at 12pm and will be attended by Councillor Doreen Stephenson from East Lindsey District Council. Cllr Stephenson has recently been announced as the 2012 Champion for Lincolnshire.

The men's 4x100m freestyle team triumphed today, taking Britain's gold medal tally to 21, second only to China in the medal table.

The men's relay quartet of Matt Walker, Graham Edmunds, David Roberts and Robert Welbourn successfully defended the title they won in Athens, clocking a world record 3mins 51.43secs to finish ahead of Australia and China.

Welbourn a former Lincoln Vulcans Swimmer swam the anchor leg in 53.52.

Former shot putt champion and Dealer Principal at Crystal of Lincoln Nissan, Graeme Stark, has today (Friday 5th September) presented a cheque for £4,000 to former strong man and international athlete Geoff Capes.

The Crystal Motor Group is donating the money to the Lincolnshire Throws Academy which has been set up by the Lincolnshire Sports Partnership in conjunction with Geoff Capes to find the county’s next Olympic hopeful.

Over the summer community-based taster events offering budding athletes of all ages the opportunity to have a go at shot, discus, javelin and hammer have been held at athletics clubs across the county.

The most promising athletes from these events were selected and will now go on to the County Throws Academy in Boston headed up by Geoff Capes with support from several other international athletes.

Former Scottish indoor shot put champion Graeme Stark said: “The overall aim of the Lincolnshire Throws Academy is to find someone who can putt the shot 20m 12 cm by the 2012 Olympics.

“The Crystal Motor Group is delighted to be supporting the county’s first ever throws challenge as shot, discus, javelin and hammer often get overlooked in favour of the more high-profile disciplines.
“And who knows? We could find the next British Olympic star right here in Lincolnshire!”

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Rise to the Sport Relief Challenge:

Score a Financial Goal for your Club

Sport Relief grants are available to support projects which use sport and exercise to target social exclusion and isolation, build confidence and bring communities together.
Grants between £1,000 - £5,000 are on offer and Sport Relief is keen that community groups and sport clubs from Lincolnshire do not miss out.

Jenny Birdsall, Grants Officer at Lincolnshire Community Foundation said: “In the light of Team GB’s recent success and with the 2012 London Olympics on the horizon it is imperative the funding gap be bridged. Sport Relief can do this. Funds are available for local Sporting Organisations to develop and encourage Lincolnshire people to get active.”

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