Word of the funding comes hot on the heels of more positive news for the partnership as it has recently been confirmed that the organisation will be chaired by Ron Wallwork, MBE. Ron is manager of the New Astley Club in Newmarket and has considerable sporting pedigree. Not only did he win 1966 Commonwealth Games gold for England in the 50km walk, but he still holds one of the longest standing athletics records in the country having walked 16 miles in under two hours in 1971. Ron was awarded his MBE for services to the community and has recently become a trustee on the board of Anglia Community Leisure Trust.

 

Ian Jackson, sports development officer at Forest Heath District Council, is delighted by the appointment of Ron as Chair of WASP. He said: Ron hits all the right buttons when it comes to community sport. He still actively coaches athletics and appreciates what is required to achieve at the highest levels. In addition, he is well known in the area and commands respect for his achievements. I have no doubt that under his leadership WASP will achieve great things and go from strength to strength.

 

The funding received from Sport England will be used to develop a range of projects aimed at increasing the number of people using sport and physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle. One such project is aimed at getting people back into sport after a break to start a family. There is also a plan to work with local sports clubs to hold school sports fairs in each of the main towns in the district, whilst pedometers will be issued to members of the public to monitor how active they are and to use the results to encourage people to walk and cycle more.

 

Further information on the projects included in the WASP Community Sport Strategy is available from Ian Jackson on 01638 719763, or at ian.jackson@forest-heath.gov.uk.

 

For further information please contact: Ian Jackson, Sports Development Officer, Tel: 01638 719763 Fax: 01638 716493 Mobile: 07775 801193