Tessa Sanderson’s search for 2012 talent

Newham Sports Academy with Tessa Sanderson celebrated its launch on Friday October 6 in Stratford.  The first 25 young people to make the grade were announced at the event after months of talent scouting and assessments.

The unique project has been developed by Newham Council with Tessa Sanderson CBE.  Tessa has searched the borough with her team of elite coaches, including Tony Jarrett, Clarence Callendar and Julian Golding, for talented young sports people.

The Academy will provide members with elite coaching, support from mentors and sports psychologists and access to cutting edge sports science advice on diet, training and technique.  This will allow young talented sports people in Newham – one of the countries most deprived boroughs - to reach their full potential in time for the London Games.

Tessa Sanderson will be joined by sports stars including Olympic medallist Sharron Davies, Commonwealth medalist Greg Rutherford and champion boxers Amir Khan and Michael Watson to congratulate the new Academy members.

Newham Sports Academy has already attracted support and praise from a number of quarters – including Sport England, London Sports Forum for Disabled People and Richard Caborn, Minister for Sport.

Sir Robin Wales, Mayor of Newham, said:

“I am really proud of Newham Sports Academy - it is going to challenge the way elite athletes are recruited by really connecting with people at grass roots in a way that hasn’t been done before.

“The Academy has already proved that there is a huge amount of latent talent in areas like Newham that until now has not had an opportunity to shine through.  Giving young people free access to training facilities, support and expert advice means that they can compete on a level playing field regardless of their background.”

Tessa Sanderson CBE said:

“We have found some seriously impressive young sports people and I cannot wait to start working with them.  My ambition is to have as many young people from Newham competing in the 2012 Games as possible.  After spending time in local schools and with young people in the borough, I am confident that we have the talent right here.  Now that the Academy is up and running we will be able to give these young people everything they need to get to the very top and bring back some medals to the host borough!”

Matt Delaney, Director of Sport England London said “This is great news for the borough of Newham. The purpose of the project is to build upon existing sports development with schools, clubs and other community partners, increase overall participation in sport and active recreation and ensure that talented young sports people in Newham and East London have the opportunity to fulfill their potential t o compete at London 2012 and subsequent Games”

“There is significant under representation in performance sport in East London including lack of strong clubs and coaches amongst a few, the Newham Sports Academy aims to directly address these issues ensuring that talented young sports people flourish. I hope that as well as improving levels of performance of talented performers, the Newham Sports Academy will increase participation in sport and active recreation, and widen access to sport amongst hard to reach groups thus improving community safety and heath and wellbeing.” He added.

Note to Editors

For more information, contact Emma Joy, Media and Public Relations Manager Newham 2012 on 020 8430 2078 or e-mail emma.joy@newham.gov.uk