Paralympic Torch Handover launches Kingston CSPAN

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• Paralympic Torch launches Kingston CSPAN

The Olympic Torch came home on 17 September 2008 to Fulham FC’s training ground at Motspur Park.  The training ground, which was also used by athletes as a training camp during the London 1948 Olympics, hosted the launch of Kingston’s CSPAN (Community Sport and Physical Activity Network) and the celebration of the Paralympic Handover from Beijing to London. Coverage was shown on Match of the Day (link below)

Kingston’s sporting stars of the future, Jonathan Smith (Wheelchair Racer) and Edmond Figueiredo (Gymnast) joined Lucy Shuker (Team GB Wheelchair Tennis) fresh back from Beijing, Fiona Schlesinger (future Team GB Rower) and local dignitaries to mark the countdown to London 2012.   

Fulham FC first team players, Aaron Hughes and David Stockdale joined in the activities and took part in the Torch Handover Ceremony.  Billy Badger roused the crowd who were all cheering, clapping and waiting in anticipation to see the Olympic Torch our future athletes and the Mayor of  Kingston, Councillor David Berry.

The event also saw over 100 participants taking part in boccia, athletics and football to acknowledge the success of £357,000 funding from the Premier League PFA Community Fund and Sport England’s Community Investment Fund. This funding is the result of successful bids from three CSPAN partners;  Kingston Council, Fulham FC CST and Kingston Volunteer Centre to run three projects - Positive Minds (for young people with a disability); Girls just wanna ‘ave fun (girls and women into sport) and Good Sports (volunteers into sport and physical activity).

 

With so much going on during the day it would not have run smoothly without the valuable contribution of the volunteers from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and Fulham’s Community Champions who worked hard to ensure that everyone took part and enjoyed the activities as well as enjoying it themselves!

The CSPAN projects will radically change the range and quality of coaching and volunteering opportunities on offer throughout the borough and will inspire people to lead healthy and active lifestyles through sport.

Alistair Mackintosh, Chief Executive of Fulham Football Club attended the event and said “ Fulham as a club has a strong commitment to our local community and is passionate about the benefits sport can bring to all so I am delighted that this funding will enable us to work with the Royal Borough of Kingston to create new sporting opportunities.

Hilary Garner, Chair of Kingston’s CSPAN added “Girls just wanna ‘ave fun, Positive Minds and Good Sports represent an important investment into the well being of the people of Kingston”.

Councillor Simon James, Executive Member for Sport and Leisure stated

“Great news for Kingston.  These projects will engage with priority groups working with these two key partners – Fulham Community Sports Trust and Kingston Volunteer Centre and will develop and deliver sporting opportunities across the borough”.

Every organisation/group on Kingston’s CSPAN is committed to ‘Making Kingston Active’ and improving the health and well-being of the people of Kingston.  If you would like to join us then contact our Chairman, Hilary Garner on 020 8255 3335 or e.mail : hilaryg@kva.org.uk