Thursday 24th January 2008
(ref:
24/2008)
Ambitious plans to persuade the Ukrainian Olympic squad to use Leigh Sports Village as its training camp before the 2012 games in London have been given a boost.
Borough representatives will meet the prime minister of the Ukraine, Yulia Tymoshenko, and some of the country’s top sporting officials in Kiev next month.
Andy Burnham MP, council leader Lord Smith and Trevor Barton of the borough’s sports council will travel to the Ukraine to lobby hard for Leigh being chosen to host the prestigious training centre.
Cllr Smith said:
“Having a training camp in the borough would stimulate the economy and raise the borough’s profile. It would also be a tremendous boost for our young people aspiring to athletics excellence to observe Olympic standard athletes.
“Our MP has spoken to officials in the Ukraine and has found that there is already considerable interest, reflecting both the quality of the facilities at Leigh Sports Village and the benefits for the large and very proud Ukrainian community that live in Leigh and the region.”
Mr Burnham has asked Cllr Smith to join him on the visit to Kiev to show the council’s support for this strategy.
Cllr Smith added:
“It would further the opportunities to secure the training camp of a significant team in 2012. As well as meeting the UK Prime Minister we will meet the chairman of their Olympic committee, plus other senior dignitaries, and it’s a fantastic chance to press our case in person.”
The council’s cabinet approved Cllr Smith’s visit on February 11th and 12th at its meeting this week. The cost to the council will be restricted to travel plus overnight expenses.
