Annual Athletics Day Celebrates Paralympic Handover
The London Borough of Bexley is set to welcome the prestigious annual inter-borough
athletics event for adults with learning difficulties at the David Ives Stadium
at the Erith Leisure Centre.
The event takes place on Wednesday 17 September, a date chosen to coincide
with the Paralympic Handover, when the Beijing Paralympic Games pass the baton
of responsibility to London for the 2012 Games.
To mark the occasion there will be a special celebratory handover ceremony
during the event involving competitors and spectators. With over 1,000 seats
for spectators a rallying call is being issued for as many people as possible
to come down to the Stadium, join in the celebrations and cheer the athletes
on.
"This is a fantastic and inspiring event that offers a great opportunity
for adults with learning difficulties to take part in competitive sport," says
Cabinet Member for Leisure, Arts and Tourism, Cllr
Peter Catterall. "I hope
that the residents of Bexley will turn out in force to support the athletes and
join in our Paralympic Handover celebrations."
Each year the Inter-borough Athletics day attracts over 100 competitors from
Bexley and from local neighbouring Boroughs. It is rated as one of the most important
sports events in London for people with learning difficulties.
Cllr Catterall continues: "It is fitting that such high profile and exciting
event should be held at the David Ives Stadium, one of Bexley’s potential
pre-Games Training Camp for athletics that has recently received certification
from official London 2012 Guide."
The London Borough of Bexley has organised the event in association with MCCH,
who manage Bexley’s day and residential services for people with learning
difficulties.
The event is supported by Parkwood Leisure, EDF Energy - an official London
2012 Partner - and the LDA’s 'London Summer of Sport' programme.
The competition starts at 10.30am. The handover celebrations are expected
to take place at 12.30pm.
For further information on the event, contact Hugh Elsegood, London Borough
of Bexley on 020 8294 6985 or email hugh.elsegood@bexley.gov.uk
