THE PARK SUMMER 2019 | ISSUE 17
THE WORLD’S GREATEST
A SIGHT TO REMEMBER
EXPERIENCE THE EXTRAORDINARY
See stars of track and field compete at the Müller Anniversary Games
From skyline views to The Slide, enjoy an unforgettable day out!
The World Para Swimming Championships are coming to London PAGE 1
WELCOME Slap on the sun cream and pack up a picnic – summer in the Park is here! It’s set to be another busy season, and we look forward to welcoming locals and visitors alike for some fun in the sun. Make this year the summer of unforgettable memories, with experiences to keep the kids talking even after the holidays are over! Extended opening hours on the ArcelorMittal Orbit means more tickets have been released, so snap up a ride on The Slide for a thrilling experience like no other! The Park’s iconic venues are continuing their legacy of hosting world-class sporting events, with some fantastic opportunities to see leading international athletes compete a little closer to home before they head to Tokyo for the 2020 Games – such as the Para Swimming Championships in September. And speaking of Japan, we’re welcoming the country’s largest professional wrestling promotion to the Copper Box Arena in August for a show that needs to be seen to be believed! As well as being a great place to visit, there are even more exciting developments coming to the Park and bringing jobs and homes to east London. The benefits of these investments are already being felt in the local community. We spoke to one of the apprentices working on the construction project for East Bank, the new culture and education powerhouse coming to Stratford, to find out about his journey so far. Whether you come for an event, to explore or to relax with a book, there are endless days out to enjoy. The Park is free to enter and open every day, and being just ten minutes from Central London it makes the ideal way to escape the city without having to leave Zone 2!
IN THIS ISSUE 3 – OUT AND ABOUT
8 – NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING
Hear what our visitors have to say about the Park!
Japan’s biggest professional wrestling promotion comes to the Copper Box Arena
4 & 5 – MÜLLER ANNIVERSARY GAMES
9 – WORLD PARA SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS
An exciting competition celebrating the legacy of the 2012 Games
Get set for Tokyo 2020 in the Pool of Champions
6 & 7 – ACTIVE EAST
10 – W HAT'S ON
Fun and free activities for all ages and abilities
All the exciting upcoming events around the Park
@NoOrdinaryPark @QueenElizabethOlympicPark /QueenElizabethOlympicPark QueenElizabethOlympicPark.co.uk/Subscribe
“We’ve been coming since just after the 2012 Games, and have loved watching the Park develop since then. It’s clean and safe and a great place to bring the kids with loads to do. Today we’ve come for a walk and our morning coffee – we love the fact you could almost be in the countryside on this side of the Park!” Barry and Elaine, Romford
“I’ve never been here before but brought my daughter here for a day out and we’ll definitely be back again. She loves looking at the swan pedalos and wants to try riding on the boats!” Shravan and Rebecca, London
11 – THE ARCELORMITTAL ORBIT Slide into summer!
12 & 13 – OUTSIDE ON THE PARK Ways to spend summer in the great outdoors
14 – AROUND THE PARK Find out more about Here East, IQL and East Village
15 – EAST BANK Meet an apprentice working on the East Bank project
“We are visiting from Hong Kong and found the Park by chance. It’s very nice! We want to visit the ArcelorMittal Orbit now – I might even try The Slide!” Siu Ping, Ngai Wing and Wing Chi, Hong Kong
4 | LONDON STADIUM
N O K BAC K C A R T , Paralympic Games d an c pi m ly O 12 event for the 20 Set up as a legacy uch-loved date in m a e m co be s ha sary Games the Müller Anniver ar. the athletics calend
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his year’s instalment of the Müller Anniversary Games takes place on 20–21 July, forming part of the worldwide IAAF Diamond League tour. Over the two days of competition, fans will have the chance to see world-class athletes compete in our very own London Stadium ahead of the World Championships in Doha later in the year.. First held in 2013, the annual meeting attracts the world’s best track and field stars and has, in the past, featured appearances from Sir Mo Farah, Hannah Cockroft, Jessica EnnisHill and the legendary Usain Bolt! This year’s line-up promises to be equally exciting, with Dina Asher-Smith, Jonnie Peacock and Laura Muir confirmed to be competing alongside top international athletes and para athletes in front of a roaring home crowd. London Stadium makes a particularly special venue for these games to be held, having seen so many iconic moments while the Olympic flame was alight – none more so than the 46-minute period in which Team GB won three gold medals on the day that became known as ‘Super Saturday’! Will British athletes see the same success this time round? Come along and see for yourself!
Make a day of
it! After you’ve ta ken in world-cla ss athletics at the iconic Lo ndon Stadium, download our 2012 Trail to relive the mag ic of the 2012 Games ac ross the Park. Yo u can even grab a selfi e in front of the Olympic rings or Paralympic agit os!
LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE CROWD! It’s not just the sporting stars hoping to impress – British athletes have high hopes for the home crowd throughout the Games! “As an athlete you compete all over the world, but there’s nothing like doing it in front of a home crowd. I’m going to work hard to put on a show for everyone!” said silver medallist Reece Prescod. “It’s so much easier doing it in front of a home crowd,” agreed Jonnie Peacock, one of Britain’s most celebrated para athletes. “The support is amazing and the crowd are so loud, which all just pushes you even harder to try and win.” You’ve heard them – make sure you show your support with some world-class cheering!
Reece Prescod
6 6 | HEALTH AND WELLBEING
MAKE YOUR T
hroughout July, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will play host to a range of free sports sessions, hosted by our partners. They’re open to people of all ages and abilities, so why not come along and join in? There’ll be free exercise classes and runs all month in the Park, at the London Marathon Community Track, at Lee Valley VeloPark, International Quarter London and in East Village. Sessions take place every day, and include HIIT, yoga, basketball, all ability cycling and athletics! If you prefer a little music to get you moving, there’ll be free swing and ceilidh dancing lessons in Endeavour Square on selected dates in the month. Lee Valley VeloPark will also be providing free pay and ride cycling at selected mountain bike and road sessions, and Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre will be providing free tennis court access on selected dates – just remember to quote ‘Active East’ at both venues! The last two weekends of July will be the biggest and best with the British Athletics Festival of Athletics, centred around London Stadium and running (and hopping… and jumping…) between 18–21 July. The Park will also be part of National Park City’s Splash Festival on 27 and 28 July, with free chances to get active on the water, including canoeing and rowing! Or you can just appreciate the Park’s green spaces by going for a walk with one of our free trail guides.
NATIONAL PARK CITY SPLASH FESTIVAL, 27 – 28 JULY As part of National Park City Week’s Splash Festival, we’ll have free canoeing, rowing and paddleboarding activities on 27 and 28 July from our pontoon in the south of the Park! All activities are free but should be booked in advance – visit our website for more information.
SE WHA E T I N T H 'S O N E PA R THIS K SU ON P MMER AG E 1 0
WHAT'S ON: ACTIVE EAST HIIT / BOOTCAMP MONDAYS, TUESDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS / IQL SUN LAWN RUN CLUB EAST MONDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS / LONDON MARATHON COMMUNITY TRACK CAPOEIRA FITNESS TUESDAYS / SOUTH OF THE PARK ALL ABILITY CYCLING THURSDAYS / LEE VALLEY VELOPARK
MOVE!
YOGA / HIIT YOGA TUESDAYS AND SATURDAYS / VICTORY PARK, EAST VILLAGE BUGGY EXERCISE FRIDAYS / VICTORY PARK, EAST VILLAGE FESTIVAL OF ATHLETICS 18–21 JULY / LONDON STADIUM
FREE PAY AND RIDE CYCLING SESSIONS 18, 22 JULY / LEE VALLEY VELOPARK CEILIDH AND SWING DANCE LESSONS 19 JULY / ENDEAVOUR SQUARE
FESTIVAL OF ATHLETICS, 18 – 21 JULY Run by British Athletics around the Muller Anniversary Games, this is a great opportunity for the whole community to compete in the worldfamous London Stadium! Hundreds of school children will have the chance to be part of the London Boroughs Connect Relays, racing over 100m, 200m and 400m – as well as take part in the Muller Sports Day. And 2,000 women can also register for a oncein-a-lifetime Couch to 5k race – starting and finishing in London Stadium, and including a free ticket to the Muller Anniversary Games, goodie bag and T-shirt!
FREE TENNIS SESSIONS 18, 23 JULY / LEE VALLEY HOCKEY AND TENNIS CENTRE NATIONAL PARK CITY SPLASH FESTIVAL 27–28 JULY / SOUTH OF THE PARK All dates are correct at time of going to print
8 8 | COPPER BOX ARENA
IN THE RING Japan’s largest professional wrestling promotion is coming to the Box that Rocks for its first ever official UK show!
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hink you know wrestling? Think again! Combining costumes, acrobatics and larger-than-life characters, NJPW’s Royal Quest is nothing if not a spectacle!
Come for the moves and stay for the storylines, as some of the sport’s biggest rivals face off in typically bombastic style. NJPW attracts some of the best wrestlers from all over the world, and Tetsuya Naito, Hiroshi Tanahashi and current IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada are already confirmed on the line up. This year alone the Copper Box Arena has played host to tennis, basketball, netball and even became an Esports arena for Call of Duty World League, but this is the first time it’s been transformed into a wrestling ring. Expect an
incredible atmosphere that draws you in, with the action rarely staying inside the ropes! Whether you’re a long-time fan or complete newcomer, the NJPW Royal Quest event promises to be a memorable experience!
WHAT’S DIFFERENT ABOUT JAPANESE WRESTLING? NJPW differs slightly from American or Mexican wrestling as it favours what is known as ‘strong style’. This means it incorporates elements of martial arts and has a focus on strikes and submissions – making it fast-paced, realistic and endlessly entertaining!
LONDON AQUATICS CENTRE | 99
EXPERIENCE THE EXTRAORDINARY The London Aquatics Centre has seen its share of historic sporting moments already, but with the arrival of the World Para Swimming Championships this September there will no doubt be more on the way!
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he stakes are high and tense drama is guaranteed as 600 swimmers from 60 nations are set to compete in a variety of disciplines. The event is a key qualifier for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, so the world’s top para athletes will be competing in the Pool of Champions. See household names and the stars of the future, as new talent and Paralympic champions – including Ellie Simmonds (below), JessicaJane Applegate, Ollie Hynd – take to the starting blocks. One thing’s for sure, the atmosphere promises to be electric as the British fans will be firmly behind their team! Whether you are a regular follower of para sport or just want to experience something new, the spectacle of the world’s best battling it out for glory at the London Aquatics Centre is not one to be missed. Ticket prices for this prestigious championship event range from £5 to just £1 – snap up your tickets before they’re gone!
Q+A with
Mikey Jones Mikey Jones is a British Paralympic swimmer and part of the team competing in the World Para Swimming Championships. What are you most looking forward to about the event? I’m really excited to compete in front of a home crowd. Hopefully we can get a sold-out arena and a roar from the crowd when we walk in! What are your personal ambitions for the World Championships? For me, being Paralympic and European champion, if I can get the World title I’ll hold them all. That’s kind of the Holy Grail so I really, really want to win! What motivates you to keep going? My love for the sport. Swimming is the only place where, for me, I’m an equal – I can’t compete on land in the same way. I really do have this love for the water. Read the full interview online!
10 10 | WHAT'S ON
WHAT'S ON JULY 2019 FESTIVAL OF ATHLETICS 18–21 JULY / SOUTH OF THE PARK MULLER ANNIVERSARY GAMES 20–21 JULY / LONDON STADIUM QUEEN ELIZABETH OLYMPIC PARK 5K AND 10K 20 JULY / NORTH OF THE PARK NATIONAL PARK CITY 20–28 JULY / ACROSS THE PARK RACE FOR LIFE PRETTY MUDDY 2019 27 JULY / NORTH OF THE PARK NATIONAL PARK CITY SPLASH FESTIVAL 27–28 JULY / SOUTH OF THE PARK
AUGUST 2019 QUEEN ELIZABETH OLYMPIC PARK 10KM SERIES 3 AUGUST / NORTH OF THE PARK WEST HAM VS ATHLETIC BILBAO 3 AUGUST / LONDON STADIUM PRUDENTIAL RIDELONDON SURREY 100 4 AUGUST / NORTH OF THE PARK CHASE THE SUN 5K AND 10K 7 AUGUST / SOUTH OF THE PARK BRASSTERMIND DANCE SESSIONS 9 AUGUST / ENDEAVOUR SQUARE WEST HAM VS MANCHESTER CITY 10 AUGUST / LONDON STADIUM WEST HAM VS NORWICH CITY 31 AUGUST / LONDON STADIUM NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING ROYAL QUEST 31 AUGUST / COPPER BOX ARENA
S E E PA GE 6 FOR A L I ST O F AC T I V E EA AC T I V I T ST IES I N J U LY
SEPTEMBER 2019 LONDON LIONS VS CAL POLY MUSTANGS 6 SEPTEMBER / COPPER BOX ARENA QUEEN ELIZABETH OLYMPIC PARK 10KM SERIES 7 SEPTEMBER / SOUTH OF THE PARK A GIRLS’ HIKE OUT 7 SEPTEMBER / NORTH OF THE PARK WING FEST 2019 7–8 SEPTEMBER / LONDON STADIUM WORLD PARA SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS 9–15 SEPTEMBER / LONODON AQUATICS CENTRE CHASE THE SUN 5K AND 10K 11 SEPTEMBER / SOUTH OF THE PARK GREAT WILLY WADDLE 17 SEPTEMBER / NORTH OF THE PARK QUEEN ELIZABETH OLYMPIC PARK 5K AND10K 21 SEPTEMBER / SOUTH OF THE PARK WEST HAM VS MANCHESTER UNITED 21 SEPTEMBER / LONDON STADIUM METAMORPHOSIS 21 SEPTEMBER / NORTH OF THE PARK ALZHEIMERS SOCIETY MEMORY WALK 29 SEPTEMBER / NORTH OF THE PARK
All dates are correct at time of going to print
ARCELORMITTAL ORBIT | 11 11
C E L E B R AT E E r e T H E S K Y LisI N m sum
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that will have of London – or a treat for the kids If you’re looking for a different view tal Orbit make sure a trip to the ArcelorMit them buzzing all summer – why not holidays? is on your ‘to-do’ list for the summer
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ith extended opening hours – including some early opening Saturdays – there are more opportunities than ever to Ride The Slide or check out unique views of London and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. As well as being able to see for up to 20 miles across London on a clear day, the viewing platform’s interactive panels and incredible mirrors – installed by artist Sir Anish Kapoor – will give the whole family a chance to see and learn about London as never before! For children (and big kids) eight years and over, the chance to ride the world’s longest tunnel slide is one not to be beaten! Why not challenge the whole family to see who screams the loudest? Or if you don’t fancy it yourself, you can just meet them at the bottom and see how excited they are. At 178m long, with 12 twists and turns, it’s an exhilarating experience they’ll never forget.
The best prices are available online in advance, and The Slide does sell out at peak times – so book early to avoid disappointment! For more information and to book, visit ArcelorMittalOrbit.com
PICTURE PERFECT Make memories on the day with GoPro film of your journey down The Slide, or exclusive pictures of your visit! Packages can be bought in advance or on the day.
TAKE THE ABSEIL CHALLENGE The chance to take on the UK’s highest freefall abseil runs throughout the summer. Whether raising money for charityor just looking for a unique London experience, it’s another great way to see the skyline!
12 | THINGS TO DO
OUTSIDE ON THE PARK rk every day We've asked the people on the Pa the sun! for their tips to make the most of
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GET EXPLORI
WORK IT OUT
The Park has plenty of hidden nooks and crannies just waiting to be discovered. Sign up for a guided tour run by one of our expert Park Champion volunteers, download one of our free trails for a themed adventure or simply explore the Park at your own pace! “My favourite spot in the Park is the human sundial in the Great British Garden. It blows my mind every time I go in there – it’s so clever!” Ian, Park Champion
EAT IT!
TH E PA RK IS FR EE TO EN TE R!
You’ll find a world of delicious food and drink options around the Park, whether it’s the cool canalside restaurants near Here East or the cosy neighbourhood cafés and bars up in East Village. During the summer season nothing quite beats dining al fresco – try drinks and small plates on the water at Barge East, or grab an ice cream from La Gelateria and enjoy it on your favourite bench in the Park!
The Park is home to not one but two outdoor gyms, which offer a range of resistancebased equipment to use for free! The area around it also has highimpact paving so you can do floorwork too. “Challenge yourself to short bursts of intense activity – it’ll have a bigger impact than working out for longer at a lower level. Keep your eye on the lights too; the equipment will tell you the power you’re generating, and the coloured lights on the main structure will show you your heart rate!” Emma, personal trainer
TAKE TO THE RIVER
UP YOUR INSTA GAME From the iconic Olympic rings to dreamy reflections on the canal, the Park isn’t short of photo ops. Don’t forget to schedule in a trip up the ArcelorMittal Orbit; you can even book in ride on The Slide with a GoPro video for footage with real wow factor! “Look out for the red and white target on one of the ArcelorMittal Orbit’s outside viewing platforms – put your phone camera over the hole for the most amazing shot of the sculpture spiralling down!” Steven, amateur photographer
See the Park from a whole new angle! Boat tours run down the River Lea throughout the day, or hire one of our iconic swan pedalos and take yourself on an adventure of your own. “The Park’s rivers and wetlands are home to a great variety of wildlife – species to look out for include kingfishers, reed buntings and emperor dragonflies!” Catherine, Biodiversity Manager
PLAYTIME Let your little ones loose on the Park’s custom-built playgrounds for hours of fun (you’ll find cafés nearby to keep the adults entertained too). There’s the Pleasure Gardens in the south of the Park with a colourful play area, sandpit and climbing wall, plus Tumbling Bay in the north of the Park complete with treehouse structures, swings, rock pools and water pumps for fantastic interactive play. Once they’ve had their fill of the play areas, the famous Waterworks fountains are the perfect place to cool off! “My favourite is the red playground. It’s such good fun and there’s so much to do!” Juno, age 9
14 14 | PARK DEVELOPMENTS
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s well as being a hub for technology and innovation, Here East is also home to great events for all ages! Why not head down to Canalside from 10am – 4pm on Saturday 10 August for free family activities, including arts and crafts sessions from social enterprise Hackney Arts. Workshops will include plant pot painting and a chance to learn how to tie dye and come away with your own masterpiece. There will also be free circus skills workshops running throughout the day, a chance for the kids to have a go at poi, juggling, stilts and more! You can also expect live music from some of London’s top buskers, free eco glitter face painting and amazing food and drinks from all the Canalside restaurants and bars.
EAST VILLAGE CELEBRATES 500 NEW HOMES
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une ſaw Get Living mark the official opening of its brand new building in East Village E20 with a spectacular vertical dance performance for the local community.
Celebrating Victory Plaza, the first 500 new homes for rent to be built in the former Athletes’ Village since the 2012 Games, international performing group Kate Lawrence Vertical Dance descended Insignia Point, a 30-storey tower, with crowds watching in awe from Victory Park while enjoying free ice cream. Homes at Victory Plaza are available to rent and move into now. For more information or to register interest, visit GetLiving.com/Victory-Plaza
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EAST BANK | 15 15
WORKING ON THE PARK
Massimo, 22, e is taking part in th p Mace Apprenticeshi Programme
ucation, house of culture, ed er w po w ne e th is East Bank before ing to Stratford. Even m co th ow gr d an n innovatio already ened, the project is op s ha g in ild bu st fir the Londoners. portunities to young op d an bs jo ng gi in br How did you find out about this apprenticeship? I initially had an offer to study Accounting and Finance at university, but then found out about the Mace Apprenticeships Programme. The prospect of be able to earn a degree without any student debt, while also progressing in my career, made me change my mind. What was your first day on the job like? We spoke to Massimo, who is office before so I had never worked in22, a proper taking part inof the Mace was unsure what toApprenexpect. Luckily the team ticeship Programme. were very welcoming and a well-stocked biscuit tin helped too! What things are you learning in your role? I’m currently working Commercial Assistant on the V&A building in the Stratford Waterfront team, meaning I help manage finances on the project. Day to day my tasks can range from meeting with contractors to answering interview questions!
How do you feel to be working on the East Bank project in particular? It’s great being part of the team that’s helping deliver such a high-profile project in London. I believe East Bank will benefit the area massively and encourage a new generation of Londoners and visitors to come to Stratford. What advice would you give someone else thinking about doing this type of apprenticeship? Firstly, research what roles are available as there are so many different types of apprenticeships in the construction industry. You’ll find one that suits your strengths and interests. Also, ask questions if you don’t know the answers. It shows you’re willing to try new things and helps you learn in the long run. Will you come back and visit once East Bank opens?
Yes, definitely! I’m looking forward to seeing our team’s hard work up and running!
SUMMER SCREENINGS AT IQL
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s well as getting ready for latest tenants Cancer Research UK to move into their new offices, IQL will be putting on a jam-packed series of events at The Spark and Endeavour Square this summer! Stratford Summer Screen will include free outdoor screenings of blockbuster films including The Greatest Showman and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again; live streaming of Carmen and The
Marriage of Figaro from the Royal Opera House; and screening and activities around the summer’s main sporting events. There’ll even be special Family Fun Days on 17 August and 7 September, with screenings of Early Man and The Lego Movie 2 alongside activities such as Lego workshops and face painting. And music fans should check out an evening with 10-piece Brass band Brasstermind on 9 August, or one of the regular Busk in London sessions.
SEE THE CITY LIKE NEVER BEFORE RIDE THE WORLD’S LONGEST TUNNEL SLIDE!
AT QUEEN ELIZABETH OLYMPIC PARK
BOOK NOW AT ArcelorMittalOrbit.com Stratford
The ArcelorMittal Orbit was designed by Sir Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond