The 2008 Olympic Games are well underway, and elite athletes (performing at national level) from Eden who are setting their sights on ‘Going for Gold’ at the 2012 London Games can now apply to access leisure facilities and training support for free thanks to the new PASSPORT 2012 Scheme being launched this week by Eden District Council and Parkwood Leisure Services.
Through PASSPORT 2012, Eden Distirct Council and our leisure contractor Parkwood are aiming to support and encourage athletes in Eden competing at a national level in the lead up to the London 2012 Olympics, by offering elite performers the opportunity to access local leisure facilities for free to assist and sustain their progress within the national sports system.
“We have many promising local athletes who are looking to make a big impact at the London Games. The Council and Parkwood Leisure are committed to offering them support in the run to the next Olympics through the PASSPORT 2012 Scheme.
“PASSPORT 2012 is a unique opportunity for Eden and Parkwood to help 20 locally based elite athletes per year over the next four to compete at the highest echelons of sport at the London Olympics and hopefully bring home one of those prized medals to Eden which would make the 2012 Games all the more memorable for the District,” said Eden District Council Chairman, Councillor Tony Brunskill.
To be eligible to apply for the PASSPORT 2012 Scheme athletes must be:
• Competing at a national level in sport
• Competing in any of the 105 sports or activities recognised by Sport England
• Be aged 16 and over
• Live in Eden District
Stuart Lockwood, Northern Regional Director of Parkwood Leisure said, “The 2012 Olympics on home soil will be incredible and it would be fantastic if some of Eden’s athletes could make it to the finals and compete in the Games. We are delighted to sponsor the development of local athletes with this scheme and to help make that dream a reality.”
The facilities and activities available to the athletes as part of the PASSPORT 2012 Scheme are:
Penrith Leisure Centre
• Gym Induction
• Expressions Gym membership
• Swimming (Subject to pool timetable)
• Fitness classes (must be booked)
Appleby Swimming Pool
• Gym induction
• Expressions Gym membership
• Swimming (subject to Pool timetable)
Application forms for the PASSPORT 2012 Scheme are available from Eden District Council’s Mansion House Offices and Appleby and Penrith Leisure Centres and to download from the online Leisure Section. For more information tel: 01768 212473/212323 or email: leisure@eden.gov.uk
For further media information please contact the Communication Officer:
