Olympic gold medallist returns home

Olympic gold medallist, Greg Rutherford, today offered some tips to young people inspired by his success during a celebratory event at the community sport club where his journey to London 2012 began.

Joining Sport England at Marshall Milton Keynes Athletics Club, Greg witnessed first-hand the continued good work of the club which nurtured his talent and set him on his road to winning gold at this year’s Olympic Games. He also unveiled a plaque celebrating his Olympic success and links to the club.

Greg said: “It is fantastic to be back at Marshall Milton Keynes Athletics Club where it all began. Winning gold at London 2012 was an unbelievable experience however it wouldn’t have been possible if I hadn’t received the support and encouragement from this club. It is important that clubs like this receive all the help they need to get more people into and enjoying sport.”

Sport England has invited all Olympic and Paralympic medal winners to nominate the community club where they discovered their love of sport. All of the clubs will be offered bespoke advice from Sport England about how the grassroots funding body can support their work.

Lisa O’Keefe, Sport England Director of Sport said: “With 173 medals won, this summer proved to be our most successful Olympic and Paralympic Games ever. It is important that we not only celebrate the success of our athletes but the sports clubs and volunteers who helped them on their journey to London 2012. Without them many of our athletes’ Olympic and Paralympic dreams may not have come true. At Sport England we want to both recognise the fantastic work of these clubs in helping local people to get into sport and fulfil their potential and to support them to achieve even more.”

The ways Sport England helps grassroots clubs include:

• Helping the operational and people aspects of clubs through Sport England Core, including personal development for volunteers, improving club management and Clubmark and Clubfinder
• Investment for sports groups through our Small Grants, Inspired Facilities and Protecting Playing Fields funds
• Providing free business skills training and support to those doing the day-to-day running of clubs through Club Leaders
• Connecting clubs with the thousands of people who’ve signed up to help out in grassroots sport through the Sport Makers campaign.

A plaque will also be placed at each club, acting as a permanent reminder of the athletes’ achievements.

Mick Bromilow from Marshall Milton Keynes Athletics Club said: “We really appreciate the opportunity to celebrate our work in the community, and look forward to working with Sport England to make this club an even more inspiring place for young people to take part in sport.”