Tuesday, August 7 – note change of venue
What:
Three generations will come together in London to mark the 365 day countdown to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
Olympic and Paralympic medallists Dame Kelly Holmes, Alison Williamson and Ade Adepitan, who are all part of Team B&Q, will join in a traditional Chinese lion dance bringing an authentic flavour of Beijing.
They will then spend time at a mentoring and training session with some of the most promising athletes from across the UK, and a specially selected group of local school children.
The celebrations are being organised by British Olympic Association (BOA) partner B&Q. The home improvement company has been a BOA partner since July 2004 and is supporting Team B&Q, a squad of eight current medallists and 12 younger aspiring Olympians and an aspiring Paralympian, who all have their sights set on being selected for Beijing next year.
The up and coming athletes work in B&Q stores around the UK, enjoying the benefits of full-time employment with part-time flexible hours, fitted around their demanding training and competition schedules. It is the largest employment programme of its kind for British athletes and has had a huge impact on the individuals involved.
Photograph Opportunity:
Kelly Holmes with medallists from Athens and some of the country’s most promising talented athletes, next to a traditional Chinese lion dance.
Where:
Langdon School
Sussex Road
East Ham
London, E6 2PS
When:
Tuesday August, 10 – 11.30am
10.00 Event welcome and Chinese lion dance
10.15 Photo call and media interviews available
10.30 Athletes’ training sessions begin
Contact:
Rachel Leach, brandRapport, 01483 209856 or 07754 536545
Sarah Shore, brandRapport, 01483 209847 or 07748 845692
Other background:
The Team B&Q athletes available for interview are:
Medallists from Athens 2004
Kelly Holmes: Gold medals, 800m and 1500m
Ade Adepitan: Bronze medal, Basketball (Paralympics)
Alison Williamson: Bronze medal, individual category, Archery
Aspiring Olympians and Paralympians aiming to make Beijing their first Olympic and Paralympic Games:
Mark Christie: Pole Vaulter; B&Q Warehouse, Sunderland
Ryan Dinham: 400m hurdles; B&Q Warehouse, Tunbridge Wells
Steven Scott: Double Trap Shooter, B&Q Bexhill
Shaun Sewell: Adaptive rowing AM1X; B&Q Leyton
Jonathan Willis: Fencing; B&Q Warehouse, Stockport
For further information visit www.teambandq.com