Tuesday 17th April 2007
(ref:
109/2007)
GMTV broadcaster and British tennis champion Andrew Castle is visiting Wigan on Friday (20 April) to present the council’s annual team of the year awards.
Andrew will host the ceremony at Wigan Investment Centre, which showcases the achievements of council teams who have worked hard to improve services for the borough’s residents.
The former British number one will also visit Robin Park Indoor Sports and Tennis Centre to officially ‘rename’ the complex - it now includes tennis in its title – and meet young tennis stars of the future.
In the afternoon Andrew will travel to the new Platt Bridge Community First complex to launch a fun day and present attendance awards to pupils. He’ll also visit Byrchall High School in Ashton to open a Fair Trade tuck shop and be interviewed by pupils.
Council chief executive Joyce Redfearn said: “Andrew has a great reputation as a broadcaster and presenter and we’re delighted to welcome him to Wigan. The Team of the Year awards acknowledge the fantastic work done by our employees in improving the services we provide for residents and there’s a tradition of having motivational speakers who embody excellence in their own field to inspire us to greater things.
“We are also making the most of Andrew’s visit by involving young people who share a common desire to take part and set themselves goals and aspirations.
“While he’s here we’ll show him some of the good things happening around the borough. The tennis centre at Robin Park is an integral part of the sports centre, hence the name change, and Platt Bridge Community First is a unique place that shows the way forward for public services being provided in partnership.”
Andrew’s TV colleague Pete Cohen is also visiting Wigan on the same day to present a masterclass in leadership to council managers. The GMTV resident ‘life coach’ is highly regarded as a top motivational speaker and trainer whose workshops inspire and entertain in equal measure.
Joyce Redfearn added: “We have a strong tradition in Wigan of enabling our managers to learn from the very best so that they can improve their own skills in managing and improving public services for our residents.”
Fifiteen teams will be competing for the coveted council team of the year title. Last year's overall winners were the licensing team.
Note to editors
For further information please contact Jane Arscott on 01942 827116 or the council’s PR office on 01942 827164
