adiZone launch - News - Gravesham SSP

adiZone launch

April 9th  saw the opening of the region's first adiZione and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games' legacy in Gravesham.

The adiZone was officially opened by Bronze medallist sprinter and Paralympian John McFall and Gravesham's Platinum Young Ambassador, Aaron Farnell.

John McFall - British Paralympian sprinter

John McFall, 28, made his debut at the Paralympics winning a bronze medal in the 100m (T42) in Beijing in 2008 with a time of 13.08 seconds.

Described by some as 'one of the fastest men in the world over 100m and 200m in the class of above-the-knee amputees', John has won 13 medals in international competitions for both the 100 and 200 metres (T42).  John won his first medal - a gold, in Belgium just six months after he started running with a sprinting leg in 2004.

Originally from Surrey, John now resides in Cardiff where is is studying to be a doctor takes part in a number of other sports and activities such as mountain biking and rock climbing. 

http://www.sports-council-wales.org.uk/14689

Aaron Farnell - Gravesham Platinum Ambassdor

Aaron is one of two Platinum Young Ambassadors in Gravesham.  Aged 19, Aaron has given up a huge amount of his time over the last 18 months volunteering in the community and following the Young Ambassador ethos to be a positive role model and leader. 

Early this year, Aaron was offered the exciting and rewarding opportunity to create and deliver an interactive workshop for LOCOG (London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games) at the O2, where the audience included none other than Lord Sebastian Coe.  Aaron led the audience through a fun interactive game to explore an interpretation of the Olympic and Paralympic Games values. 

http://www.gravesham.gov.uk/index.jsp?articleid=5640

adiZone Opening

The adiZone opening organised by Jane Packham, Gravesham 2012 Officer for Gravesham showcased local groups and performers, all of who live, work or train in the Gravesham Borough.  Their contribution and support for the opening created a wonderful atmosphere and really brought to life the opportunities that the adiZone has to offer the local community.

http://www.gravesham.gov.uk/index.jsp?articleid=5632Local

Groups and Performers

True Kaizen

Established in 2008, True Kaizen was created to produce the UK's top dancers and choreographers.  The word 'Kaizen@ is a literal translation from Japanese meaning 'comtinued improvement'.

The group have worked with a wide range of clients across the country providing classes and private tuition.  They are currently in schools and colleges across Gravesham providing dance classes to young people in partnership with the Schools Sport Partnership and Gravesham Borough Council.

http://www.truekaizen.com/

Meapa

Meapa Gymnastics club is on the most established in Kent, originating in 1976 in Meopham.  The club has grown to have more than 700 members (and is now based in Gravesend) and caters for both adult and children in gym classes for fun, development and competition standards.  Meapa is also home to the free running group.

In 2008 Meapa was selected by LOCOG as an official Pre-Games Training Camp for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

http://www.themeapa.com/

The Saheli Group

The Saheli Group takes it's name from the Indian word for 'women friends' and not only run dance classes, but produce books, run swimming classes especially for Asian ladies, hold badminton classes and have celebratory events throughout the year.

The Saheli Group has been recognised nationally for the differnce they make to the community and for the dedicated volunteers involved in the group.  The Saheli Writers main aim is to produce and develop the live arts and literature of the ethnic minorities, for the benefit of the whole community.

Tai Chi

Shizendo presented a demonstration of tai chi.  This is accessible to all ages and physical abilities and can be practised on many levels from a simple 'meditative' exercise to a realistic martial art.  Shizendo run tai chi classes at Cascades leisure centre, Meopham leisure centre and Higham memorial hall regularly.

North West Kent Basketball Team

The College runs a wide variety of academic and vocational courses for over 4,000 full-time students from two main campuses approxiamtely 12 miles apart in Dartford and Gravesend.

article taken from Gravesham Borough Council media release

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