sport update Ferndown’s ‘Olympic Legacy’ facility for young skaters Report by James Lewer
Ferndown Town Council is preparing to invest in a new facility that will become a popular outlet for young people within the community. Deputy Mayor Cllr Steven Lugg is championing the project to build a skate bowl and is confident that it will be beneficial, claiming that skate sports have the “biggest participation for 10-25 year olds in this country.” Olympic legacy has become a popular term that sporting enthusiasts have adopted, and there is a determination to link this inspirational phrase with getting young people involved in physical activity. Cllr Lugg believes the new skate bowl will tie in with this concept: “The Olympics have reingaged people with sport again, and I think this is the way to continue it. There are a lot of youngsters who want to do this sport, and it’s recognised by Sport England.” In the past, skate-parks were overlooked as venues for sporting skill and excellence, but it seems opinions are changing. Cllr Lugg thinks some people, often from an older generation “recognise the negative connotations because of the associations with hoodies and graffiti,” but he encourages people to look beyond the stereotype and says, “Watch them skate. It requires a lot of skill and strength.” Cllr Lugg is positive about the use of space and as a consequence, the amount of people who will use the new skate bowl. He explained that the area of scrubbed trees to the side of the existing skate park would be utilised, effectively doubling the size of the skate park. He added the current skate park can have up to 200 users a day. He said he’d been delighted by the reaction from youngsters to the new skate facility. “A group of them turned up to the committee meetings as a result of the plans”. It seems this has had a knock-on effect, with political engagement evident from a new generation, when there are issues they can relate to.
20
Viewpoint August 2013
Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy reflects on Olympic Legacy The first anniversary of the Olympic and Paralympic Games has been celebrated nationwide, Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) is one venue which is reflecting on its success and building towards the future. The Academy was able to assist in the preparation of Olympic sailors and played a crucial part in the overall success of the British team’s impressive medal haul of two golds, four silvers and a bronze, which collates to five Olympic and two Paralympic medals. One gold medallist, Sir Ben Ainslie CBE, was a frequent visitor to WPNSA whilst undertaking his Olympic training said, “WPNSA is home to some of the best sailing waters in the world, and the venue itself has showcased one of the most watched global events.” He added, ”The new generation getting out on the water has a very bright future and a first rate sports venue readily available to them that represents such a great opportunity. I have no doubt the venue will go on to host a raft of quality sailing events as it is now firmly on the map as a premiere location to compete. Personally I will never forget winning my Olympic gold medal in front of a home crowd and on waters so familiar to me.” Ainslie is now a member of the WPNSA Board of Directors, and will
continue to play a role at the centre. He is not the only gold medallist to sing the praises of the Academy. Paralympic Gold Medallist Helena Lucas MBE won gold in 2012 in the 2.4mR event. She said: “Winning gold on home waters in Weymouth and Portland was an amazing experience, the support is something I will never forget and it spurred me on tremendously. Training and competing at WPNSA throughout my preparation certainly contributed to my result and I will always love sailing here. The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy
is an unbeatable venue for disabled sailors with new, purpose built, facilities. I don’t know of any other sailing venue where the needs of sailors of all abilities are so well catered for.” WPNSA was the first Olympic sailing venue to open to international competitors prior to the Games since Kiel in 1972. By operating in such a way, this created a level playing field for competitors. During this period WPNSA hosted sailors from Italy, USA, Canada, Australia, Spain, Sweden, Holland, Argentina, Denmark and Russia.
James Lewer: ‘Magical Madrid outclass spirited seasiders in a football feast!’ The football landscape on the southcoast has changed significantly in recent years; it seemed like only yesterday when AFC Bournemouth was fighting to maintain Football League status. Four years on and the Cherries have won promotion to the Championship, and on the back of this, a glamour tie against Spanish giants Real Madrid. The megastars rocked upon the shores of Bournemouth on 21 July, the excitement growing in the seaside town as kick-off approached. To the delight of those who had paid over the odds for a ticket, Ronaldo started the match and didn’t disappoint. The team-sheet was
glittered with star studded names, but locals could hardly wait to catch a glimpse of the Portuguese superstar in action. The sun-soaked surface glistened as he and his teammates graced the turf, and within minutes he bamboozled Bournemouth’s defenders with his trickery. Ronaldo’s class finally shone through, finding his way past a stubborn Bournemouth with one of his trademark free-kicks. The shot dipped and swerved and in a flash nestled into the bottom corner, this unstoppable strike was an unbelievable sight for the naked eye. Within minutes the home team were reminded of Ronaldo’s clinical
www.mags4dorset.co.uk
nature, as he punished the heavy touch of the defender by slotting the ball into the net for Madrid’s second. From this point on the flood gates opened, and an exhibition resulted in Bournemouth being hit for six. Defeat was a reminder of the gulf between the two sides, but more importantly it gave AFC Bournemouth exposure to the outside world which puts them on the map. For realists and most of the local support, it wasn’t about the result. The match was a reward for the efforts of players and fans in recent seasons, which has resulted in a exciting Championship football campaign which is now underway.