As part of their pre-Olympic preparations, the Romanian Paralympic swimming and tennis team are visiting Knowsley this week.
The training camp is also in preparation for them competing in the European Swimming Championships in Berlin next week.
As well as using the borough’s outstanding leisure facilities, the team will be familiarising themselves with the area, and all the attractions both Knowsley and the broader Liverpool City Region has to offer. Such attractions include Knowsley Hall and Knowsley Safari Park.
In addition, the team participated in the commonwealth mini-torch relay, which took place across all the borough’s centres for learning on Tuesday and Wednesday to celebrate national school sport week. The team participated in various sporting events alongside young people from Kirkby Sports College, including athletics and cycling events, as well as boccia.
The Romanian Paralympic Committee has signed a memorandum of understanding to use the borough’s leisure facilities as their official London 2012 Pre Games Training Camp for their athletes, with training camps planned in 2011 and 2012.
Next year, the Romanian Paralympic cycling team will be visiting Knowsley and utilising the borough’s new outdoor velodrome, which is due to open at Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park later this year. There will also be a final preparation training camp in Knowsley for all athletes before they depart to compete in London 2012.
Councillor Eddie Connor, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Community and Culture commented “It’s great to see international athletes recognising the excellent sporting, leisure and cultural facilities here in Knowsley. I look forward to welcoming other members of the team as they prepare for the Paralympic Games. Having such prestigious athletes here in Knowsley will hopefully inspire future generations to participate in sport.”
Members of the Romanian Paralympic Team with pupils at Kirkby Sports College taking part in the commonwealth mini torch relay
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