soar magazine issue 17

SUMMER 2012 ISSUE 17

PLUS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS WITH

JULIAN WHITE AND RAMNARESH SARWAN

DREW SULLIVAN

OLYMPICSPECIALA 10-PAGE GUIDE

TO THE GAMES AND

LEICESTERSHIRE’S

2012 MEDAL HOPES

& LEICESTER’S GB HOCKEY STARS

FREE

Editor’s CommEntWelcome to a special Olympic-themed summer issue of Soar Magazine, as we preview the greatest sporting show on earth from a Leicestershire perspective.

After years of speculation, anticipation and hype, the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are just around the corner and the country is ready and waiting for a summer filled with top class sporting action.

As each milestone has passed, whether it be 500 days, 100 days or 50 days to go, the Games has felt more like something on the horizon; you can see it and anticipate it, but you can’t quite feel it.

But all of that has changed in recent weeks, as the athletes have qualified, the teams have been named and the stars of Team GB have been kitted out at Loughborough University’s Olympic Training base.

Read our exclusive interviews with Leicester Riders’ Great Britain basketball captain, Drew Sullivan, the four Leicester Hockey players representing Team GB and Loughborough-based swimmer, Lizzie Simmonds, as they talk about realising their Olympic dreams.

One lasting legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games will hopefully be increased participation rates in sport, and the wide-range of new activities and free sessions offered by Leicester City Council throughout the summer are detailed in this publication.

Away from the Games we catch up with Leicester Tigers legend, Julian White and recent Leicestershire Foxes addition, Ramnaresh Sarwan as we once again cover all bases of local sport.

I hope you enjoy a summer combined with watching elite sport and keeping healthy and active, and Soar Magazine will be back in September for our autumn issue as we look back on the Olympics and assess how Leicester Tigers and Leicester City have started their new seasons.

Let the Games begin!

LineupSoar Sport 05 Drew Sullivan

08 Olympic Guide

12 Ruslan Panteleymonov

13 Lizzie Simmonds

14 Legendary Olympians

15 Paralympic Preview

16 Ramnaresh Sarwan

20 ICON: Julian White

23 Leicester’s Year of Sport

24 Try a New Sport

28 Ping

Soar Health 34 SAQ® International

36 LR Sport

37 Dean Hodgkin

38 Marc Sagal

40 NHS Stop! Smoking

42 Inspire Leicestershire

Soar Lifestyle 44 Vitamin D Deficiency

46 SoarPoint: Leicester’s GB Hockey

Quartet

50 InPictures: Australia at Grace Road

Jon Reeves, Editor

Thanks: Chris Adcock, Vicky Ball, James Brown, Qasim Chowdary, Crista Cullen,

Dean Hodgkin, Jayne Hough, Steve Humphries, Hannah George, Peter

Jones, Hanna Macleod, Andy Mann, Anthony Minoprio, Dan Mitchinson, Dan

Nice, Rory Palmer, Ruslan Panteleymonov, Anne Panter, Alan Pearson, Jane

Roberts, Chloe Rodgers, Louise Ross, Marc Sagal, Yusuf Saleh, Ramnarseh

Sarwan, Gary Sherrard, Lizzie Simmonds, Teresa Spilsbury, Drew Sullivan,

Surj Virk, Lawrence West, Julian White, Alison Williamson

Soar Magazine is produced by Soar Media LtdPhoenix Square, Midland Street, Leicester LE1 1TGT: 0116 242 2851 E: [email protected]

Editor: Jon Reeves Design: Lee JohnsonContributors: Chris MortleyAdvertising: Call Soar Media on 0116 242 2851Photos: Soar Photo & PA Photos

The copyright of all material is owned by Soar Media Ltd and may not be reproduced or published without prior consent. Soar Media Ltd take no responsibility for the claims made by advertisers, nor all of the views expressed by contributors.

Editor’s Commentin association with:

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www.soarphoto.co.uk

to request your FrEE consultation contact:t: 0116 273 9418 | m: 07944 844 111 | e: [email protected]

Photographers to:

Our photographers pride themselves on a friendly yet professional service.

LEICESTERSHIRECOUNTY CRICKET CLUB

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In a sport dominated by famous American names, Drew Sullivan has unwittingly become the public face of professional basketball in Britain.The 32-year-old London-born forward has enjoyed a career spanning well over a

decade, competing in Spain, France, Belgium, Russia and his native England, and

was part of last season’s successful Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders team...

5

did you enjoy the responsibility of being an experienced head in a young team?Yeah, it has been good. There were a few times during the course of the season where some of the guys would ask me a few questions. I think the key time came after the end of the season, where Rob (Paternostro) wanted me to be able to tell the guys in the team what to expect in the Play-Offs and what needs to bedone to be successful.

in an olympic year, how important was it to be an active member of a team?The last thing that any player

wants is to be sat on a bench for large parts of the season, regardless of whether there is a big event at the end of the season or not. For me personally, it’s hugely important to have been playing going into the summer.

is it true that you actually discovered basketball by accident?Yeah, that’s true and it’s been an amazing journey. It’s hard to put into words, but to go from playing in a park when I was 13 to a point

where I can represent my country at an Olympics is simply what dreams are made of. I used to take part in athletics and ran the 100 and 200 metres. I ended up playing basketball after I suffered a hamstring injury.

A former BBL Championship, Cup and Play-Off winner with Newcastle Eagles and Mersey Tigers, Drew Sullivan first answered Great Britain’s call in 2006, when the national side was established in anticipation of London 2012.

Including NBA stars in the form of Chicago Bulls’ Luol Deng and former Dallas Mavericks forward, Pops Mensah-Bonsu; Team GB boast their strongest-ever roster ahead of the Games; an Olympics made even more special to Sullivan due to the fact that he will be captaining the side in a city he is proud to call home.

Despite Leicester Riders narrowly missing out on play-off final glory, Drew’s drive and determination to compete alongside and against some the giants of the game this summer remains as strong as ever, as he explained to Soar Magazine…

HoLdinG CoUrt WitH tHE CAPtAin

www.soarmagazine.co.uk

drew, you head into this summer’s London olympic Games on the back of an impressive season with Leicester riders…We were all delighted to make it into the BBL Play-Off Final. It was one of our goals at the start of the season when I first came down here. As soon as I heard that Riders wanted to become the top club in the country and achieve some silverware, it was something I wanted to be a part of. Reaching the final of the Play-Offs shows real progression.

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You have been a constant throughout the evolution of the Great Britain team. What is the team capable of in London?We have a chance of doing something really special. Everybody thinks we’re in an easy group for some reason (Great Britain have been initially grouped with Spain, Brazil, Australia, China and a team to qualify later), but I don’t look at it like that. I think that would be disrespectful to the teams we’ll be playing against. They have got really talented players and a lot of experience.

We’re going to go out there and play the same way we have played every summer. We’re going to play hard and play together. We will be trying our very best to progress beyond the group stage. We understand that it will be tough; after all, it is our first Olympics, but hopefully with the games being in London, our fans will get behind us and create an incredible atmosphere.

it should help that the roster is made up of players that have experience of playing in various leagues around the world…That difference in experience will help us, no doubt about it. Everyone will

drew sullivan has certainly made an impression on the game of basketball within Leicester. now it’s time for the Leicester riders forward to make his mark on the greatest show on Earth.

“We have a chance of doingsomething really special.”

Photo courtesy of Ville Vuorinen

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be able to bring something a little different to the team. We tend to talk to each other a lot and share our experiences. I think that everyone learns a lot from each other; it’s more than just what you pick up from the coaching staff.

is this experience going to be that little bit more special for you personally, as the Games are taking part in your home city?Not just a little bit, it’s hugely special. To have the opportunity to represent my country at the Olympics – and for those Olympics to be taking place in London; I couldn’t wish for anything more.

What was it like to experience some of team GB’s facilities at Loughborough with riders? The support I’ve experienced since I’ve been in the area has been second-to-none. It seems as though pretty much everything around Leicestershire revolves around sport,

whether it’s basketball, football or rugby. The facilities are fantastic and it has been brilliant to have the opportunity to experience them ahead of the Games.

Finally drew, will you be playing for riders again next season?At this moment, I’m not looking that far. Now that the season is done, my

attention is focused solely on the

Olympic Games. We will see what next season has in store after that.


2012 A sPortinG odYssEY

JULY 25 & 26FootBALL MEN’S & WOMEN’S PRELIMINARIESRyan Giggs and Craig Bellamy will be the star attractions as Stuart Pearce’s men attempt to grab gold. Hope Powell’s women’s team will be relying on Kelly Smith’s silky skills. Leicester-born, Rachel Williams is also in the squad.

JULY 27oPEninG CErEmonY

ArCHErY WOMEN’S INDIVIDUALSAlison Williamson (born in melton mowbray)

BAdminton MIXED DOUBLESChris Adcock (born in Leicester)

the wait is almost over, the various different countdown dates are nearly all ticked off and the greatest show on Earth is imminently set to take over the UK. the London 2012 olympic Games will be officially opened later this month and the eyes of the world will be watching on with interest.

So when can you see Usain Bolt travel faster than the speed of light or capture the moment Sir Chris Hoy pockets another gold medal, and which GB athletes have a local Leicestershire link? Soar Magazine’s comprehensive Olympic preview has all of the answers…

ALison WiLLiAmson sAYs…“I feel extremely

privileged to be going

to a sixth Olympics,

and I have enjoyed

the experience at

everyone with equal

measure - though

forgive me for having a soft spot for Athens in 2004, because

that’s when I won my bronze medal! It means as much -

probably more, given that it’s at London - to me now, as it

did when I qualified for the Barcelona Games 20 years ago.

This is the ultimate event that every athlete aspires to, and

being a part of it is as good as it gets. To be there six times

is just amazing!

CHris AdCoCK sAYs…“It was amazing to put on a GB

tracksuit and a special, emotional and

proud day for me and my family. We

had out qualified our rivals so it was

a matter of waiting for the letter and

reading that you are a part of Team GB. My family are all proud

of my achievement. I’ve framed the letter and it will be a gift

to my Dad, which he doesn’t know about yet. I believe that if

I perform to the best of my ability and with the home crowd

behind me, I can get a medal of any colour at London.”

oLYmPiC GUidE

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JULY 28sWimminG MEN’S 400M INDIVIDUAL MEDLEYJoe Roebuck, Roberto Pavoni (both Loughborough based)

WOMEN’S 4 x 100M FREESTYLE RELAYAmy Smith (Loughborough based)

CYCLinG MEN’S ROAD RACETeam GB’s successful cycling team hit the roads with Mark Cavendish and Bradley Wiggins likely to take part.

JULY 29sWimminG WOMEN’S 100M BUTTERFLYFran Halsall (Loughborough based)

MEN’S 100M BACKSTROKELiam Tancock (Loughborough based)

JoE roEBUCK sAYs… “The pressure is slowly building, but

I’m confident that I’m going to swim

ok and I’m just looking forward it.”

rEBECCA AdLinGton oBE

One of Team GB’s stars in Beijing

and Britain’s most successful

swimmer for 100 years, Mansfield’s

Rebecca Adlington, who often trains

at Loughborough, will be looking to

increase her medal collection with victory in the 800 and

400metres freestyle.

WOMEN’S 400M FREESTYLErebecca Adlington, Joanne Jackson (both Loughborough based)

LiAm tAnCoCK sAYs…“The Olympics is the big one. It’s a

once in a lifetime opportunity to have

the Olympics in your own country and

to be at an age when I should be at

peak performance is incredible really. I

feel really lucky to be at the place I’m in at the moment, to be at

the top of the game and loving what I do.”

tom dALEYA lot of pressure has been put on

the young shoulders of British diving

sensation Tom Daley in recent years

and after plenty of success, it’s time

for the 17-year-old to deliver on

the biggest stage of all. Tom will be taking part in the 10m

platform and 10m synchronised events.

CAitLin mCCLAtCHEY sAYs…“I have gained a lot of

experience from the previous

two Olympics so hopefully I

can take that into London and

be prepared for all the furore

and excitement that is the Olympic Games.”

MEN’S 200M FREESTYLERobert Bale (Loughborough based)

HoCKEY WOMEN’S EVENT BEGINSAnne Panter, Chloe rodgers, Crista Cullen, Hannah mcCleod (see page 46 for our exclusive interview with the Leicester quarlet), Laura Unsworth (Loughborough University students Player), nicola White (Loughborough College student).

BAsKEtBALL MEN’S EVENT BEGINSdrew sullivan (Leicester riders Player and team GB captain- see our exclusive interview on page 5).

JULY 30sWimminG MEN’S 200M BUTTERFLYJoe Roebuck & Roberto Pavoni (Loughborough based)

WOMEN’S 100M BREASTROKEKate Haywood (Loughborough based)

MEN’S 100M BACKSTROKELiam Tancock (Loughborough based)

diVinG MEN’S SYNCHRONISED 10M PLATFORM

HoCKEY MEN’S EVENT BEGINSRichard Smith (Loughborough University Student)

GYmnAstiCs MEN’S TEAM EVENTruslan Panteleymonov (Based at Hinckley, also trained at new Parks - see our exclusive interview on page 12).

JULY 31sWimminG MEN’S 4 x 200M FREESTYLE RELAYRoss Davenport (Loughborough based)

EQUEstriAn TEAM EVENTINGPiggy French (Lives in Lubenham)

AUGUST 1sWimminG WOMEN’S 100M FREESTYLEFran Halsall, Amy Smith

MEN’S 200M INDIVIDUAL MEDLEYJoe Roebuck

WOMEN’S 4 x 200M FREESTYLE RELAYJoe Jackson & Caitlin McClatchey (Loughborough based)

roWinG The British rowing team have been widely tipped to do well, including by athletics legend, Jonathan Edwards, and begin their Olympic campaign at the start of August.


CHristinE oHUrUoGUWOMEN’S 400M FINAL

A gold medallist in Beijing four years

ago, Ohuruogu has struggled for form

in recent seasons, but should still be

one of Team GB’s brightest medal hopes on the track.

PAULA rAdCLiFFE sAYs…“It’s a great opportunity and having the biggest sporting

event in my home country is a huge advantage. I set the

world record in London and have had some great runs there,

which will help me a lot on the day. At this stage of my career

I know it isn’t my strongest shot but I also have a lot of

motivation to do myself justice at an Olympics.”

AUGUST 2sWimminG WOMEN’S 200M BACKSTROKELizzie simmonds (see our exclusive interview with Lizzie on page 13)

MEN’S 200M BACKSTROKEJames Goddard (Loughborough based)

AUGUST 3sWimminG WOMEN’S 50M FREESTYLEFran Halsall & Amy Smith

WOMEN’S 800M FREESTYLERebecca Adlington

MEN’S 1500M FREESTYLEDaniel Fogg (Loughborough based)

mo FArAHMEN’S 10,000M FINAL

Somali-born Mo Farah, arrived in Britain

as an 8-year-old who could speak little

English but after years of hard work

he has transformed himself to one of the country’s finest ever

long-distance runners. The 29-year-old is likely to focus on the

10,000 and 5,000 metres in London.

AtHLEtiCs WOMEN’S MARATHONPaula Radcliffe (Former Loughborough University student)

JEssiCA EnnisWOMEN’S HEPTATHLON

One of nation’s great medal hopes, heptathlete Jessica Ennis

will be looking to add to her World and European victories

with Olympic gold this summer.

AUGUST 4sWimminG 4 x 100 FREESTYLE RELAYJessica Lloyd (Loughborough based)

WomEn’s triAtHLon WOMEN’S HEPTATHLONLucy Hall (Leicester-born, lives in Lutterworth and a Leicestershire & rutland sport Go Gold Ambassador)

AUGUST 5AtHLEtiCs MEN’S 100M FINALUsain Bolt

sir CHris HoYCYCLING

One of the great successes four years ago, the GB cycling team, including the inspirational Sir Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton, get their campaign underway.

miCHAEL PHELPsMEN’S 100M BUTTERFLY

Michael Phelps (Likely to be the first of a number of events for the impressive American)

UsAin BoLtMEN’S 200M FINAL

Watch the world’s fastest man

continue to make history on the

athletics track as he attempts a sprint

double in the 100m and 200m.

BEn AinsLiEAinslie will be competing in his fifth

successive Olympics and battling it out

on the water for his fourth gold medal.

Ben takes to the waves in Weymouth

and Portland on August 5th.

KAtE dEnnison sAYs…“The first goal is the Olympic final.

Once you’re there then anything is

possible, but I also want to achieve

what I believe I can jump. My personal

best is 4.61 metres and I feel like I’ve

got more to offer, but I won’t say how high I can jump yet!”

sHAnAZE rEAdEBMX WOMEN’S FINAL

A three-time World Champion, GB’s

Shanaze Reade famously missed out

on a chance of a medal after crashing

out of the race on the final berm of the track.

sAm WEALEMEN’S MODERN PENTATHLON

A familiar face to Leicester City fans,

Sam is the identical twin brother

of former Foxes goalkeeper Chris

Weale. He is one of two GB men taking part in the modern

pentathlon.

sAiLinG

tEnnis MEN’S SINGLES FINALAndy Murray could be in medal contention.

AUGUST 6AtHLEtiCs MEN’S 400M FINAL

WOMEN’S POLE VAULT FINALKate Dennison (Loughborough based)

tHE LEGEndJonAtHAn EdWArds sAYs…

“I think as a sport and as a team, the rowers will be very strong and

could be what our cyclists were in Beijing. In individual, I’d love to

see Chris Hoy win his fifth gold medal. He’d equal Steve Redgrave

which would be amazing, and Ben Ainslie winning his fourth.

“In terms of track and field, Mo Farah has suddenly become a world

beater so it would be amazing for him to win gold and I’d love to see

Phillips win in my event, but not break my world record!”

AUGUST 7mEn’s triAtHLon MEN’S 400M FINALStuart Hayes (Loughborough based)

AUGUST 9AtHLEtiCs MEN’S TRIPLE JUMPPhillips Idowu

FootBALL WOMEN’S FINAL

oLYmPiC GUidE

AUGUST 10HoCKEY WOMEN’S FINAL

AUGUST 11AtHLEtiCs MEN’S 5000M FINAL

HoCKEY MEN’S FINAL

FootBALL MEN’S FINAL

AUGUST 12BAsKEtBALL MEN’S FINAL

AUGUST 12CLosinG CErEmonY

11


A Ukraine born, Leicestershire-based gymnast is firmly in contention for a place in the Great Britain 2012 Olympic Team this summer.

Ruslan Panteleymonov, a member of the New College-based Hinckley Gymnastics Club, was part of the GB team that recently enjoyed a resounding victory in the European Championships. The victory sealed the team’s place at the Olympics and Ruslan’s next goal is to be one of five men selected from a squad of 12 to compete at the Games.

Panteleymonov first came to Britain in 1999 to compete, before returning a year later to study IT and English in Coventry and continue his training at Hinckley Gymnastics club. The chance to coach soon followed, as did the opportunity to represent Team GB, as Ruslan explained.

“I dreamed of competing for Great Britain but I needed to work and live here for five years before I was able to. It was a difficult process and took six years in the end.”

From UKrAinE to London, ViA HinCKLEY

With all the talk of so-called plastic Brits representing Team GB at the Games, Ruslan’s immense pride at wearing the British kit for the first time illustrates that the determined 28-year-old is the real deal.

“It felt incredible and it is a big honour for me. Britain feels like home now because I’ve been here many years. To be part of the team is a massive honour.”

Following the recent European success, Panteleymonov has noticed that Team GB’s reputation is improving all the time.

“We had a great result and I didn’t let anybody down. Everybody has seen how strong the Great Britain team has become and people have that respect for us. Our squad is really competitive and that’s what makes the team successful. Hopefully the coaches have seen my potential. The squad feels like a family now.”

Ruslan, who competes in the vault, parallel bars and rings, still trains at New College once a week, but spends most of his time based at

Loughborough University. He enjoys living in Leicestershire but is keen to experience the buzz of city life, hopefully starting with London later this month.

“I live in Lutterworth. I like the area but it’s very quiet so it would be fantastic to experience a big city like London this summer. I just hope I get there. It is an amazing opportunity and would be a dream come true.”

For more information onHinckley Gymnastics Club visitwww.hinckley-gymnastics-club.com

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doUBLEoLYmPiAn

it’s been excitement and realisation that I’m actually going to be part of it. It hits you when you walk through St Pancras Station and see the Olympic rings. The Olympic logo is everywhere. It’s just cool to be a part of it and have your selection letter that says welcome to Team GB.”

With their heavy training schedule, there is little time for top class swimmers to reflect on their success, but family members help provide perspective, as Lizzie explained.

“We sometimes forget what we’ve achieved but it’s when you speak to the

people close to you that you realise. My Granny said to me, ‘You’re a double Olympian by the time you’re 21’. It’s a tiny percentage of people that get to an Olympics, and an even smaller percentage that get to go to two.

“To be at a home Olympics is going to be so special. Whether you swim well or not, it will be a fantastic experience. We’re going to be geared up to swim the absolute best we can, but it’s all about the experience.”

If Lizzie can reach her potential and hit the podium, London 2012 promises to be an experience of a lifetime.

One of the British swimming team’s most charismatic individuals, Loughborough-based Lizzie Simmonds is a genuine medal contender in the 200m backstroke. At 21-years-old, Lizzie is something of an Olympic veteran, having represented her country at the 2008 Games in Beijing as a teenager, and her positive attitude coupled with that experience should help her succeed in London this summer.

With the Games just a few weeks away, Lizzie is both excited and relieved to have made it through the tough trial process.

“It’s been a massive lead up and every single interview has been focused on London. That started years ago, but you still have to get through the trials, which are very cutthroat. Nothing you’ve achieved in the past is taken into account and if you don’t perform on the day and two people take your spot, you’re done, you’re out of there. It doesn’t matter if you’re Rebecca Adlington, you have to be in the top two and get a qualifying time to be on that team.”

Simmonds reflected on the agony of fours years worth of hope, training, dedication and focus all coming down to a few lengths of the pool and how she overcame the disappointment of missing out on the 100m backstroke.

“I knew I was good enough to be on the team, but the trial was the first hurdle. During the week I didn’t qualify for the 100m and I almost gave my parents a heart attack! It was about strength of character. I knew I had my best event to come and when I qualified the main emotion I felt was relief.

“Since hitting that wall and qualifying

“It hits you when you walk throughSt Pancras and see the Olympic rings. The Olympic logo is everywhere.”

From UKrAinE to London, ViA HinCKLEY

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Jennie Fletcher100 years ago, the rebecca Adlington of her generation, Jennie Fletcher, swam to glory in the 1912 olympics in stockholm. A member of the Leicester Ladies’ swimming Club at Cossington street Baths, where a plaque now honours her achievements, Jennie is widely recognised as the world’s first great female swimmer.

The daughter of a fishmonger, Jennie was born in Checketts Road, Belgrave in 1890 and first learned to swim as a Mellor Primary School pupil. In 1906 over 2000 people crammed into Cossington Street Baths to watch her break the world record and become the English 100 yards champion.

100 years since her amazing achievements, all of Team GB’s female swimming stars, including Loughborough-based Fran

LEiCEstEr’sLEGEndArYoLYmPiAn

A Selection of Leicestershire Medallists…John Arthur JarvisLeicester-born swimmer John Arthur Jarvis claimed two gold medals at the 1900 Paris Olympics, winning the 1000 and 4000metres. Jarvis also founded Leicester Swimming Club.

John CooperA former Lutterworth Grammar School pupil, John Cooper won silver in the 400m hurdles and 400m relay at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. John was killed in the Turkish Airlines crash of 1974.

Halsall, Lizzie Simmonds and Caitlin McClatchey, have a lot to thank Leicester’s first great female Olympian for.

Swimming in a time where strict codes of propriety for female swimmers existed and many thought the idea of them participating in the sport to be immoral, Jennie was an inspiration to women all over the country.

One of the first sportswomen to become a household name across the UK, she went on to win Olympic gold at the Stockholm Games as part of the 4x100m freestyle relay team and claim individual bronze in the 100 yards freestyle.

Jennie retired from competitive swimming in 1913 and moved to Canada with her husband. She only returned to Leicester once before her death in 1968, but her memory lives on in the city with the addition of a plaque bearing her name on Leicester’s Walk of Fame, meaning that people can continue to follow in the footsteps of a true sporting pioneer.

sebastian CoeLord Coe (pictured) spent three years at Loughborough University before going on to win four Olympic medals, including 1500m gold in 1980 and 1984.

mary nevillWhilst player-coach at Leicester Ladies Hockey Club, Mary captained Great Britain to bronze at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

John merricksMerricks won sailing silver at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. He was killed in a car accident a year later, aged just 26. A lake at Watermead Park is named in his honour.

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LEt tHEGAmEsContinUE

After the Olympic Games come to a spectacular end with a closing ceremony on August 12th, sports fans won’t have long to wait to witness more world class competition inside the London facilities. The 2012 Paralympic Games begins on August 29th, as elite athletes from all over the world take part in 21 different sports, including athletics, football, swimming and wheelchair basketball.

Paralympic Legend, Baroness Tanni-Grey Thompson DBE, a former student at Loughborough University and eleven-time Paralympic gold medallist, spoke to Soar Magazine about her expectations for the Games.

“It’s going to be wonderful. A Games in Britain… what an experience for everyone taking part. I am lucky as a member of the LOCOG Athletes Committee to have taken part in the planning of almost all the aspects of the Games from the athlete perspective; from the transport to equipping the athlete’s village. I feel a big part of the Games.

oscar PistoriusProbably the most famous Paralympian on the planet, South African Oscar Pistorius; also known as the ‘blade runner’, is likely to be taking part in the T44 100m, 200m and 400m. You can see Oscar going for gold in the 200m final on September 2nd.

Ellie simmonds mBEThe face of Team GB, few will forget the emotional scenes after Ellie swam to gold in Beijing four years ago. The 2008 BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year won the 100m and 400m freestyle events at the last games and will begin her London campaign on September 1st.

Two to Watch…

“Watching the Paralympics, I hope, will bring about a greater understanding of disability sport. Facilities have improved a lot. However, we still have some way to go – we need to get more young disabled people taking part and enjoying sport.”

One of Leicestershire’s main medal hopes at the Paralympics will be Loughborough-based discuss thrower Dan Greaves, who won silver in Sydney in 2002, gold four years later in Athens and took part in the able bodied event at the 2008 Beijing Games.

Dan has high hopes for this year’s Paralympic Games and is confident he can deal with the expectations of competing in front of a home crowd.

“My main ambition is to win the gold medal in London. I want to completely dominate the Paralympic world because I had that title taken away in 2008. I think the pressure will play on people’s minds. I turn it into a positive, get excited about competitions and generally just laugh the pressure off and relax. Some people are really focused and sometimes that works as a negative because you put yourself under subconscious pressure. I hope I won’t feel the pressure because I will have done all of the hard work.”

Hopefully that hard work will be rewarded and Dan can bring another Paralympic gold medal back to Leicestershire.

roCKEt ronniEArriving at Leicestershire County Cricket Club’s Grace road home to speak exclusively to soar magazine, batsman ramnaresh sarwan presents a wonderful contrast to the dark clouds that hover above.

With rain falling heavily on the perfectly prepared pitch, Sarwan, Leicestershire’s overseas signing for the season, arrives with a beaming smile on his face.

A Test veteran with the West Indies, Sarwan has reason to be smiling. Despite Leicestershire’s frustrating start to the season – particularly in t20 cricket – the 32-year-old has instantly taken to life at Grace Road, as he explained.

“The fact that we haven’t won as many games as we would have liked has been the only disappointment. We need to strive for more consistency but the fans have been

very supportive and hopefully that continues however we are playing. The facilities here are really good; certainly a lot better than what we are used to in the Caribbean!

“There are quite a few guys that are very talented, with the likes of young Josh Cobb and Wayne White here. I think that it is just a matter of us getting the talent out there to allow

us to perform on a consistent basis. We’ve seen it in spurts, but it needs to be consistent.”

Ramnaresh, better known as Ronnie (his middle name) within the cricket community, is well-placed to give his view on where Leicestershire need to improve this season. Born in Wakenaam Island, Guyana, Sarwan fast became one of the key names in West Indies cricket.

Also a right-arm leg-break bowler, Ronnie began playing cricket after practicing with his school team. Coached by the school’s caretakers and armed with just a right-sided set of pads, the young Sarwan was deemed good enough to play for the school.

Years later, he would make his West Indies Test debut against Pakistan, with his maiden century coming against Bangladesh. Both occasions hold a special place in Sarwan’s heart.

“My debut came in Barbados – back in 2000 – and I remember the bowling attack was quite an experienced one, with the exception of Abdul Razzaq who I had actually played youth cricket with. To make my debut and play the way I did (Sarwan was unbeaten in both innings, achieving a score of 84 not out in the first), was pleasing.

“I think I had played 20 Test matches before I got my maiden century. I was really relieved when I finally got it, because I had been given a few starts and I was achieving a few 80s. Finally, in Bangladesh, I was able to convert.”

Growing up on a small island, developing as a young cricketer, Ronnie looked up to many cricketers, listing former Windies captain Carl Hooper and the duo of Mark and Steve Waugh as inspirations. However, one man that started as an inspiration soon became a team-mate – Brian Lara.

“He became a mentor. The way that Brian patterned his innings was special. I’ve been fortunate enough to share quite a few partnerships

with him and being a member of the team – and later vice-captain – we were able to share some frank views and that allowed me to see where he was coming from. I think that I have learned a lot from him and I continue to pick his brains.

“I have learned a lot of my batsmanship from Brian Lara, but I have also been able to learn a lot from other senior players that I have played alongside, such as Carl Hooper and Ridley Jacobs. I was very fortunate to play alongside some fantastic players at such a young age.”

Despite his experience and standing within the game, Sarwan continues to learn. At Leicestershire, Ronnie has praised the work of new batting coach Ben Smith and hopes that he can succeed in achieving his personal aims at Grace Road.

“Ben is doing a wonderful job. He has been great, very helpful, and we have done quite a lot of work since I arrived. I’m sure that work will continue once the t20 schedule is over.

“The start to the t20 season has been disappointing, especially as we are defending champions. You have to consider that we have lost four or five players, but nevertheless it is important that we continue to believe.

“I would like to finish as one of the top-five run scorers this season in the four-day competition; that would be great. As a team, I would like to see us start winning a few games, so that we can achieve some confidence. If we can generate some momentum, we will be able to progress.”

A player used to rapid progression, Sarwan could well provide the spark that ignites Leicestershire’s summer.

For more information on the Leicestershire Foxes andtheir t20 campaign, visitwww.leicestershireccc.co.uk

17

“I have learned a lot of my batsmanship from Brian Lara.”

DirectoryAmerican FootballLeicester Falconswww.leicesterfalcons.co.uk

AthleticsLeicester Marathonwww.leicestermarathon.org.ukLeicester Orienteering Clubwww.leioc.org.uk

BadmintonLeicestershire Badminton Assoc.www.lbabadminton.org

BaseballLeicester Blue Sox www.leicesterbluesox.co.uk

BasketballLeicester Riderswww.leicesterriders.co.ukLeicester Warriorswww.leicesterwarriors.comLeicester Lady Hoopswww.ladyhoops.co.uk

BowlsLeicestershire Bowling Assoc. www.leicestershirebowls.com

CricketLeicestershire CCCwww.leicestershireccc.co.uk Leicestershire & Rutland Cricketwww.leicestershirecricket.co.uk

CyclingLeicester Forest Cycling Clubwww.leicesterforest.org.ukLeicester Monarchswww.leicestermonarchs.co.uk

FencingLeicester Fencing Clubwww.leicesterfencingclub.com

FootballLeicester City Football Clubwww.lcfc.comLeicestershire & Rutland FAwww.leicestershirefa.com

DodgeballLeicester City Ligerswww.leicestercityligers.co.uk

GlidingThe Gliding Centrewww.theglidingcentre.co.uk

GolfLeicestershire & Rutland Golf Unionwww.lrgu.co.uk GymnasticsLeicestershire Gymnastics Assoc.www.leicestershiregymnastics.co.uk

HockeyLeicestershire Hockey Assoc. www.lmha.co.ukLeicester Ladies Hockey Club www.leicesterhc.co.ukLeicester Mens Hockey Clubwww.leicesterhockeyclub.co.uk

KorfballLeicester City Korfball Clubwww.leicesterkorfball.org.uk

Local Leisure CentresLeicester City Councilwww.leicester.gov.uk/sport

Martial ArtsUrban Martial Artswww.urbanmartialarts.com

Matt Hampson TrustOfficial websitewww.matthampson.co.uk

MotorsportDonington Parkwww.donington-park.co.ukMallory Parkwww.mallorypark.co.uk

NetballLeicestershire Netball Assoc.www.lcna.co.ukLoughborough Lightningwww.loughboroughlightning.co.uk

Outdoor PursuitsLeicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre www.lopc.co.uk

Roller DerbyDolly Rockit Rollerswww.dollyrockitrollers.co.uk RowingLeicester Rowing Clubwww.leicester-rowing.co.uk

Rugby League Leicester Stormwww.leicesterstorm.co.uk

Rugby UnionLeicestershire Rugby Unionwww.leicsru.netLeicester Tigerswww.leicestertigers.com

SailingRutland Sailing Clubwww.rutlandsc.co.uk

SpeedwayLeicester Lionswww.leicester-speedway.com

SquashLeicester Squash Clubwww.leicestersquashclub.co.uk

SwimmingLoughborough University Swimmingwww.loughboroughswimming.comLeicester Masters Swimming Clubleicestermastersswimclub.btck.co.uk

TennisLeicestershire Lawn Tennis Assoc. www.lta.org.uk

Ultimate FrisbeeLeicester Ultimate Clubwww.leicesterultimatefrisbee.co.uk

Wheelchair BasketballLeicester Cobraswww.leicestercobras.org.uk

YogaBikram Yogawww.bikramyogaleicester.co.uk

All County ActivitiesLeicester-Shire & Rutland Sportwww.lrsport.org.uk

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iCon: JULiAn WHitE

A World Cup and Grand slam winner with England and one of the best props of his generation, White was famed for his physical playing style and world class scrummaging skills.

An excellent specimen of British beef himself, Julian is set to go into the farming business on a full-time basis after spending the latter years of his rugby career building up land and livestock in and around market Harborough. soar magazine met Julian on one of his farms in Brampton Hill to chew the cud about his glittering sporting career and his farming future.

Firstly Julian, tell us about what inspired you to become a farmer…I rented a field about nine years ago and now we farm around 500 acres. We rent another farm and have a block of land in Hallaton. We breed pedigree south Devon cows; a fantastic docile native bread. Every day I sit there and I can’t believe it. I’m not from a farm originally; it’s just

A true fans’ favourite and genuine Leicester Tigers’ icon, Julian White announced his retirement from professional rugby at the end of last season, following a nine-year, trophy-filled stay at Welford Road.

something I’ve dreamt about all of my life. It’s brilliant to be able to do this after having a career that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed; achieving things I’ve always wanted to.

How much will you miss rugby? When the training is flat out I think I’m going to sneak by and have a look through the fence at the poor buggers charging up and down! I’ve had quite a few pre-seasons and as you get older, things start to fall off

and disintegrate. I’ve always been at the back, but towards the end I really was at the back, which gets a bit soul destroying. That’s one part of rugby I won’t miss.

What are your memories of joining Leicester tigers back in 2003? I think I’d been sent off a couple of times against them and there was a few sideways looks when I arrived. I knew a few players from England so it wasn’t really that hard a move. It’s

21

a pretty welcoming area. If you play for Tigers and live in and around Leicester, most locals are more than happy to help you out.

You were very popular with the tigers fans as well…Sometimes it gets a bit overwhelming. I’m not somebody that goes out seeking attention, I’m pretty anti-social but when you go to a rugby match and people chant your name, it brings a bit of a lump to your throat. It’s something that took me a while to get my head around. At the end of that last game, the LV= Cup Final, it hit me sideways. It was a very emotional day.

What have been the highlights of your career?I’m lucky that I’ve exceeded everything I ever thought I would achieve. Getting capped for England was fantastic and running out for Tigers was great. But for me, it’s that Saturday morning feeling you get before a game. You get butterflies, you can’t eat and you’re on and off the toilet. Now people sit there with their headphones on which used to do my head in because it was all you could hear. But, you sit there and look at each other and you’re all in the zone. It doesn’t matter who

you’re playing, you’re going to beat them. That used to get to me and that’s the part I will always miss.

How do you look back on your England career? I was just lucky that I played with a great group of players that won the World Cup and Grand Slams. For anybody that gets the chance to play for their country, it’s a dream come true and you never forget running out at Twickenham. I used to find it hard knowing that a thousand people were stuck in cars trying to get to a game that I was going to play in. They are all memories to cherish now.

Photos courtesy of Tigers Images

How closely will you be following developments at Welford road?Cockers said, ‘If you get a chance, come to a game’, but I’d like to go to quite a few. At the end of the day I enjoy watching rugby and that association will never go. Tigers have been a huge part of my life and have given me a hell of a lot. There will always be a massive part of me that is part of Tigers.

Finally Julian, how would you like to be remembered as a player? I’ve always been described as ‘old school’. I was never a great ball harrier or handler, but I knew there were lots of guys in the back row that could carry the ball, so I did everything I could to get the ball for them. I really enjoyed the tight, physical part of the game. I enjoyed scrimmaging and loved mauling. People thought I was a physical player but as a front row forward that’s how you play the game. It’s not for me to say how I’ll be remembered, I just did my job as well as I could.

As every single Leicester tigers fan will testify, Julian did his job superbly and will always be fondly remembered by the Welford road faithful.

22

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CitY CoUnCiLsPorts

in an open letter to the people of Leicester, deputy City mayor Cllr, rory Palmer, talks about the City’s involvement with the 2012 olympic and Paralympic Games and the importance of ensuring a lasting sporting legacy…

The day we heard London had won the bid to host the 2012 Olympics seems a long a time ago. Leicester backed the bid and we were right to do so. Since then the capital and the country have been busy preparing for this summer’s Games, as have many organisations and people here in Leicester.

In a few weeks the opening ceremony and the Games will begin. It will be a unique moment of national pride and celebration and I have always been determined that our city should be part of that. In 2007, hundreds of local people backed my petition and campaign to get Leicester on the 2012 national torch relay route.

A year later, thousands of people formed an enthusiastic crowd on Humberstone Gate for the official handover of the Olympics from Beijing to London. And, in 2009, Leicester was proud to host the Special Olympics.

The city’s journey towards 2012 has been exciting and inspiring. This is our aim for the summer; to build on the sporting and cultural energy and passion we see in Leicester every day. This was encapsulated on July 2nd when the Olympic Torch arrived in the city, culminating in an evening of celebration at Abbey Park.

The excellent work in our schools as part of the Get Set programme has already used the power of sport and the Olympic values to inspire thousands of young people.

Throughout the Games, the city centre Live Site will be a hub for Olympic events and celebration. I hope to see

people cheering on the success of Team GB and athletes from across the world. Later in the summer we are also proud to be welcoming the Paralympic Flame to Leicester.

The 2012 Olympics are a unique opportunity for the country and for our city to celebrate sport, culture and communities coming together. This can be a great Olympic summer for our city.

You can contact CouncillorPalmer via email at

[email protected] orfollow him on twitter @rory_Palmer

LEiCEstEr’sYEAr oF sPort

23

rory Palmer,Deputy City Mayor

2012

Leicester City Council’s community sports centres; national governing bodies of sport and clubs are set to launch the ‘Give it a Go’ sports programme between July 23rd and September 1st.

Taster sessions will be available in a wide range of sports, including badminton, table tennis, swimming, rowing, judo, cycling, boxing, volleyball and triathlon.

The ‘Give it a Go’ programme is open to people of all ages and abilities, and will run for six weeks over the summer, coinciding with

significant London 2012 landmarks. The first sessions begin on July 23rd, marking the opening of the Olympic Games.

The programme has been developed to bring the London 2012 Olympic Games closer to communities and encourage people to become more active.

Many of the ‘have a go’ sessions take place at the BBC Big Screen in Humberstone Gate and local community leisure centres. Other sports on offer are golf, football, trampolining, karate, fencing, sailing,

hockey, sprinting, BMX, water polo and basketball.

Cllr Piara Singh Clair, Assistant City Mayor responsible for sport and leisure, said: “The Olympic-inspired sports programme encourages residents to get involved in sport. This programme gives them the chance to try out a wide variety of sports and discover whether there is an activity they really enjoy. What’s more, they can do it for free.”

For more information contact your local leisure centre or visitwww.leicester.gov.uk/sports

trY A nEWsPort in 2012

For FrEE!


HUMBERSTONE GATE LIVE SITEEvent DateBadminton July 23rd

Basketball July 24th

Ping! Table Tennis July 25th - August 12th

Football July 26th, August 7th, August 11th

Golf July 28th

Cycling July 29th & August 6th

Canoeing August 8th

Hockey August 8th

BMX August 10th

Boxing August 12th

For more information contact Holly Battison on 0116 233 3085

SPENCE STREETEvent DateTampolining Session July 30th - August 6th

Karate / Judo July 31st

Gymnastics August 4th

For more information contact Jos Johnson on 0116 299 5584

BRAUNSTONE LEISURE CENTREEvent DateIndoor Triathlon July 30th - August 3rd

& August 6th - August 10th

Basketball August 18th

For more information contact Jayne Henderson on 0116 299 5584

COUNCIL PARKSEvent DateStreet Sprint August 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th

& September 1st

For more information contact Clive Morrison on 0116 283 3275

LEICESTER LEYS LEISURE CENTREEvent DateTrampolining August 5th

For more information contact Tracey James on 0116 233 3070

EVINGTON LEISURE CENTREEvent DateBadminton August 2nd

For more information contact Luke Morgan on 0116 299 5575

COSSINGTON STREET LEISURE CENTREEvent DateWomen’s Only Badminton August 14th & August 16th

Football August 15th

Volleyball August 15th

Basketball August 18th

Karate August 18th

For more information contact Harnek Kandola on 0116 233 3060

NEW PARKS LEISURE CENTREEvent DateBasketball August 24th

For more information contact Chris Kilby on 0116 233 3080

ST. MARGARETS PASTURES SPORTS CENTREEvent DateBasketball September 4th

For more information contact Chris Kilby on 0116 233 3080

AYLESTONE LEISURE CENTREEvent DateBasketball August 24th

For more information contact Roy Cole on 0116 233 3040

WHAt, WHErE, WHEn?Check out the eventsbeing held at the variouscity locations …

25

the Celebration… Earlier this month the Olympics seemed closer than ever for the people of Leicester as the Olympic Torch Relay came to the City on Monday July 2nd.

The Olympic Flame arrived in Leicester at 5.45pm and was carried by nominated torchbearers along London Road towards the city centre. In front of passionate and encouraging crowds, the torch then travelled along St. George’s Way and Queen Street, through Leicester’s Cultural Quarter to Granby Street, and

LEiCEstErLiGHts UP

on to Humberstone Gate’s Live Site. Belgrave Gate was next before the torch arrived at Abbey Park.

The Park had been open from 4pm, hosting an evening of celebrations featuring activities, demonstrations and displays based around the themes of sport, health, play and culture.

the Performance…A stage show featured a variety of acts ranging from an international circus troupe and high-energy dance show, to up-and-coming Indie band, Morning Parade, who were brought to Leicester by one of the Olympic sponsors.

Leicester’s swimming teams also took part in a special parade to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of Leicester-born swimmer Jenny Fletcher, who claimed Olympic gold in 1912.

During the show, the Philharmonia presented a special performance of ‘Bamboozled’, a high energy, audience participation piece featuring Leicester schools accompanied by a specially recorded video performance.

The specially set up Community Zone proved popular as visitors tried various sporting activities, including interactive boxing and penalty shootouts.

Photos courtesy of Jon Heming


the app…To keep up-to-date with all of the latest 2012 news and information, and the Olympic events taking place across Leicester, download the official One Leicester 2012 smartphone app.

Leicester is set to be the only location in the East Midlands, and one of only 34 nationally, to host a Flame Celebration next month as part of the Paralympic Torch Relay.

A delegation, including Deputy City Mayor, Cllr Rory Palmer, will take part in a flame lighting event in London on Friday August 24th before the Flame travels back to Leicester to form the centrepiece of a celebration day of disability sport on Saturday August 25th.

The celebration, which will be held at the Big Screen in Humberstone and is free to attend, will kick off at 11am on Saturday August 25th following the arrival of the flame, which will be paraded along Humberstone Gate by local athletes.

Members of the public will have the opportunity to watch and participate in a variety of sports and cultural events, including Paralympic displays and taster sessions in fencing, football and gymnastics, as well as the chance to race against times set by Paralympic gold medallist Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE on a simulated wheelchair exercise bike.

Deputy City Mayor, Cllr Rory Palmer, is looking forward to bringing the flame to Leicester.

“We’re very proud to have been selected to host the Paralympic Torch for the East Midlands. It is a real testament to our city and

its commitment to disability sport. It also compliments the array of Paralympic activity we are hosting within the city and builds on our continued legacy work.

“We hope the people of Leicester will join us at the celebration event, along with some of the city’s most talented athletes, to celebrate the arrival of the flame to the city.”

Nationally, four Flames will be lit as part of the Paralympic Torch Relay; in London, Greater Belfast, Edinburgh and Cardiff, before the Flames are united at the Paralympic Flame Lighting Ceremony at Stoke Mandeville, the spiritual home of the Paralympic Movement to create the London 2012 Paralympic Flame.

this Flame will then be carried on a 24-hour overnight relay to London ready for the opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games on Wednesday August 29th.

tAKinG UP tHE BAton

CitY CoUnCiLsPorts

27

Dan Greaves, one of our local Paralympians, could be part of the celebration event.

As part of Leicester’s Year of sport, the city is set to go table tennis crazy this summer as Ping 2012 is served up in a number of locations throughout July.

Ping is an innovative three-year street ping-pong project which gives people the opportunity to play social and competitive table tennis, free of charge. The aim is to get as many people as possible across the UK playing table tennis to encourage a sense of community spirit and get more people playing sport in the run up to the Olympics, during the Games and beyond.

Leicester is one of just eight cities selected to host Ping 2012, which has been organised by Sing London in partnership with the English Table Tennis Association.

Leicester’s month-long Ping festival, which was launched on Saturday June 30th, will host four weeks of top table tennis action as 58 ping-pong tables are set to pop up in unexpected sites across the city.

A sport that can be played by anybody, anywhere, all 58 tables will be marked ‘Stop and Play’, as plenty of bats and balls will be supplied to allow passers-by the chance to stop and have a go at ping-pong.

Coaching tips and competitions will also be provided, and Special Olympics GB 2011 World table tennis Champion Patrick Cox, from Blaby, is also an ambassador of Ping Leicester.

The 17-year-old recently visited his former school, English Martyrs to spread the word about Ping, and is delighted to be part of the project.

“It is great to be involved in Ping 2012 which allows anyone to have a go at table tennis. I love the game and it was fun to be given this opportunity to spread the message to youngsters in my home city.”

A tAstE oFPinGs to ComE

Leicester Locations…• Highcross Shopping Centre• Leicester Market• BBC Radio Leicester• St Margaret’s Bus Station• Newarke Houses and Gardens Museum• The Leicester Guildhall• Abbey Pumping Station• Adult Education Centre• Phoenix Square• And many more!


Pings to Know…

• The other Ping host cities for 2012 include; Brighton, Liverpool, Bristol, Birmingham, Brighton, Sheffield and the county of Hampshire.

• Table tennis is the second most popular participation sport in the world behind football, with 300 million members worldwide.

• Ping-Pong originated in Victorian England as anafter-dinner amusement.

• Table tennis first became an Olympic sport in 1988.

• A modern elite table tennis match lasts on average 30 minutes and the top players often smash the ball at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour.

• Ping-pong is the UK’s second most popular sport and attracts people of all ages and backgrounds.

CitY CoUnCiLsPorts

Ping receives funding from Sport England’s Innovation Fund, which aims to get one million more people playing sport as part of the supporting legacy of the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

Councillor Piarra Singh Clair, Assistant City Mayor responsible for sport and leisure, said: “It is wonderful that Leicester has been chosen to host Ping 2012. Table tennis is a great sport for all ages and Ping will be a huge hit with people looking for a fun way to get active this summer.”

Mike Smith, development officer at the Leicester and District Table Tennis League, added: “Bringing Ping to Leicester will be an

29

incredible opportunity for people to have a go at table tennis and enjoy this great sport during the Olympic summer.”

A Last-Ping impressionPing 2012 will not be a short-term project. To ensure a ping-pong legacy; all 58 ping-pong tables will stay in Leicester following July’s event, with the majority being given to local community centres and a number being installed in city parks on a permanent basis.

Scan the QR Code withyour smartphone to visitthe Pingengland website

For more information on Ping in Leicester visit www.pingleicester.co.uk, like their Facebook page –www.facebook.com/pingleicester or follow Ping nationally on twitter @ping_tweets

“These sportsmen are great examples to all of us and show what can be achieved through determination and hard work. They will provide inspiration for young people and others to get involved in sport and other activities.”

Yusuf Saleh explained how successful the gym has been since its opening and how it can benefit the local community.

“A lot more people are now aware of the centre and the facilities. The support of Leicester City Council has been very important. Without their help this project wouldn’t have got off the ground. HELP aims to create a safe culture for people of every race, religion and gender. It’s a place where people can come together for personal achievement and the betterment of the community.

“Martial arts and other sports can give young people a sense of discipline and focus. It channels their energy in a positive way. As well as myself, Rendall and Karl, we’ve got a few world champions training here, who provide good role models for young people.”

For more information on the HELP multi-cultural Centre, contact Yusuf saleh on 07980 299 939.

A gym supported by Leicester City Council and run by three of Leicester’s sporting greats, which was officially launched in May, has already made a huge impact on the local community.

The HELP Multicultural Centre, based in Evington Valley Road, offers sports, health and educational activities to all of the communities based in the area and has been set up by multi-world martial arts champion Yusuf Saleh MBE, former England and Leicester Riders basketball star Karl Brown, and Leicester’s aspiring World Champion boxer Rendall Munroe.

HELP stands for Health, Education & Leisure Provision, and all three sporting personalities will be using the new facilities to help benefit the people of Evington.

Yusuf Saleh runs the Health, Education, Leisure and Sport Project at the facility, which includes sport and multicultural activities for people of all ages in the area, while Karl Brown is running a number of projects for young people, including sport and drop-in sessions.

The third Leicester sporting legend, Rendall Munroe, has opened a new training gym that houses all of the equipment he needs to achieve his ambition of becoming World Champion. The facilities are also open to local youngsters.

Assistant City, Mayor Cllr Piara Singh Clair, is delighted with the facility.

Activities

• Aerobics• Zumba• Circuit training• Table tennis• Boxing

A HELPinG HAnd

Leicester CityCouncil’s popularFREE SWIMinitiative will takeplace during the SUMMER fromJuly 30th untilAugust 24th.

FOR YOUNG CITY RESIDENTS AGED 16 AND UNDER...

AUTUMN DATES...22nd October- 26th October

33

HEALtH

in association with:

Over 1000 talented young athletes will take part in the Leicester-Shire & Rutland School Games Championshipsat Leicester Grammar School on Tuesday July 10th.

HELPING PEOPLE STOP SMOKING

STOP!

www.soarmagazine.co.ukwww.soarmagazine.co.uk

Having the honour of being invited to present the SAQ® programme to elite sports physiotherapists and sports therapists, over a recent long weekend at the French Football Federation’s world renowned centre of excellence in Clairefontaine, was an amazing experience.

With Alan Pearson, Managing Director of SAQ® International

WE CAn tEACH tHE FrEnCH A tHinG or tWo

The facilities, of course, were world class; fantastic football pitches both indoor and outdoor, a great gym and amazing accommodation with wonderful food. Plus, I was joined by a group of people really excited by the opportunity to learn and implement our SAQ® programme.

The feedback received was incredibly positive and we have been invited by the National Governing Body for Physiotherapists and Sports Therapists, Kinesport, to return and train other delegates.

While walking through the grounds each morning I noticed a French under 17 team starting the day with a long slow run, something I would not recommend as football is a multi-sprint activity. But what alarmed

For more information on sAQ® international visit:www.saqinternational.com

me the most was the poor running technique of some of the young players. Many were not using their arms correctly, some were sinking to their hips and there were even a number running on flat feet. Not once did I see a coach pick this up and correct it.

These poor techniques are not exclusively French, as I see them universally in many of the countries I visit. One of the major training aspects of SAQ® is the use of the correct mechanics, not only to run in a straight line but to develop the ability to accelerate quickly, stop, turn, jump, swerve and zig zag.

It was good to see that our expertise and experience developed in sport in the UK has the potential to have a positive impact on our French neighbours, just as their National Training Centre concept will have on ours, currently being built by the FA in Burton.

Clairefontaine has helped produce generations of top class footballers, including the likes of Thierry Henry, Nicolas Anelka and Hatem Ben Arfa, so hopefully the right facilities, coupled with the right coaching at Burton will help England produce a similar conveyor belt of talent.

sAQ’s previous clients have included Barcelona FC, manchester United, Bayern munich, the England rugby team and nike.

Leicester-shire & rutland sport (Lrs) have launched their new and improved website: www.lrsport.org

Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sport is the County Sports Partnership (CSP) for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland; working in partnership with key local and national organisations to help

lEIcEStER-SHIRE & RutlanD ScHOOl gaMES

school Games Championships - tuesday 10th July 2012in our inaugural year, the 2012 school Games Championships will be hosted by Leicester Grammar

school on tuesday 10th July, where we are expecting over 1000 of our most talented young athletes

and disabled athletes, representing our 10 school sport & Physical Activity networks,

in 13 sports across 22 competitions. spectators and supporters are welcome!

The Leicester-Shire & Rutland School Games is a new approach to competitive school sport designed to motivate and enthuse all young people across Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland.

WWW.lRSpORt.Org/SchoolgaMESFollow us on twitter- @Lr_sport

Find ‘Leicester-shire &rutland sport’ on Facebook

to keep up-to-date with news and results on the Leicester-shire & rutland school Games visit...

A NEW LOOK FOR LRS

Features/information• The ‘Leicester-Shire & Rutland Get Active’ Search Engine will

enable visitors to search for local sports clubs, venues and various

activity sessions taking place across Leicestershire, Leicester and

Rutland. • School Sport • London 2012 • How to get ‘Back to’

Sport • Disability Sport • Physical Activity Programmes • Clubs

• Coaching • Volunteering • Funding schemes • The ‘A-Z of

Sport and Physical Activity’ provides the latest news, local events/

courses, National Governing Body of Sport contact information and

related links on a range of sports and physical activities.

support and develop sport and physical activity.

The redesigned website is the number one place to keep up-to-date with grassroots sport in Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland, bringing together all of the latest local sport and physical activity news, events and opportunities.

ACHiEVinGtHE ULtimAtE sPortinG BodYLet the stars of 2012 inspire you to achieve the best shape of your life.

It takes years of dedicated training, constantly pushing the limits, in order to achieve the physical attributes, technique, skills and winner’s mindset to reach the Olympic Games. With all the hours spent in the gym and pool, or on the track and road, it’s no surprise the journey to elite sports also results in a honed, fabulous looking body. Imagine if you could take the best bits of all your sporting icons and compose a body to die for. See how that dream could become a reality…

LiAm tAnCoCK- swimmers’ shouldersPlace your feet on a bench and your hands on a fitness ball with your body in a horizontal position. Slowly perform a press-up but at the top of the motion, with the arms extended, give an extra push by driving your shoulder blades forwards.

dWAinE CHAmBErs- runners’ legsBounding is a great way to develop leg strength and you can try this when you’re next out for a run (ideally on grass) or on the spot in the gym. Think of lengthening your stride and increasing your knee lift, so your overall speed decreases. However, focus on reducing the time your foot is in contact with the floor and really push off the toe, so your foot action actually speeds up and you explode upwards and forwards.

AntHonY JosHUA- Boxers’ abdominalsSit on the floor with your legs straight out in front, tummy pulled in tight and a medicine ball held directly above your head with arms extended but elbows soft. Without rocking your upper body, project the ball as far upward and forward as you can.

LoUis smitH- Gymnasts’ armsSit on the floor in front of a step, facing forwards but with your hands on the step behind you, just wider than hip width, your elbows bent and fingers also pointing to the front. Start as you would with a normal triceps dip, extending your arms to lift your bum off the ground but now continue the movement by forcefully pushing your hips up to the ceiling and tilting your head to look upwards. This will give a much stronger contraction in the muscles at the back of your arms.

dean Hodgkin was voted Best international Fitness Presenter at the one Body awards in new York and is a former three-time world karate champion. For more hints and tips on fitness, checkout his range of workout dVds at:www.deanhodgkin.com

with Dean Hodgkin

Photo courtesy of Speedo


oVErCominG tHE AGonY oF dEFEAt

‘too’ good? What kind of strategic, tactical, technical or mental adjustments or training is needed? Enlist the assistance of a trainer, coach or another good source of guidance.

3. View failure as a kind of success.It can be humiliating and embarrassing to lose but I would argue that in many ways failing and not being afraid of failure are keys to success and shouldn’t be hidden from view. The ability to learn and persevere from failure is key. Don’t be ashamed of it. Embrace it. Use it. Your failure is probably a sign that you are close to the limits of your abilities and that you have something else to learn or experience.

Winning mind’s clients have included… manchester City FC, Us Army recruiting, J.P. morgan, new York rangers, Atlanta Braves, the Chris Evert tennis Academy and the United states marine Corps.

For more information on Winning mind visit: www.thewinningmind.com

Back in the 70s, an Americansports programme that often covered the olympics had a famous introduction by sportscaster Jim mcKay. it went like this...

“spanning the globe to bring you the constant variety of sport. the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. the human drama of athletic competition. this is ABC’s Wide World of sports!”

Every athlete knows what the ‘agony of defeat’ feels like. For as much as we pursue victory, failure is a more common experience. Strange then, that we spend so little time learning how to deal with failure, how to handle mistakes and how to cope with disappointment.

With the Olympics right around the corner it’s the perfect time to talk about failure. Yes, failure. I say this because the overwhelming majority of athletes competing in the games will not medal and by outside accounts, will have failed. But I don’t think the

athletes see it this way as most of them will have learned how

to deal with failure.

Now it’s your turn. Here are three things

that can permanently alter your relationship with

failure:

1. Have an open mindset. Research by Carol Dweck and

others has shown that athletes who believe that success is a by-product of hard work and effort view failure as a natural part of learning and improving. In contrast, athletes with a closed or ‘fixed mindset’ see failure as reflecting some fundamental personal limitation and are thus more likely to give up or lose confidence. Athletes with open mindsets embrace failure and do not let it diminish self-belief. They commit themselves to continued training, trusting that new milestones will be met and new failures will be overcome.

2. Fail forward. Learning from your mistakes is not particularly groundbreaking information but it is bang on right. Continual improvement should be your goal, not (just) winning. So, what are your failures telling you? Take a few minutes to analyse your performance. Did you make mistakes or was the opponent

with Marc Sagal of Winning Mind

‘Get a rapidHiV test

at LAss’HIV is an everyday sexual health and long-term health issue. Making HIV testing and prevention part of your healthy lifestyle is an important part of keeping yourself and your partner fit and active. People with HIV can live long, healthy and active lives – once they have been diagnosed and have access to medication and the right support. Knowing your HIV status has never been more important - we should all know and understand how to look after our status - whether infected or not. That’s the smart approach to a healthy and fit life.

LAss 25 year celebrationJune 2012 - June 2013

www.lass.org.uk

Telephone 0116 255 9995

@lassleics

Charity number: 1023914


mAKinG tHE CUtYoung people from across Leicestershire recently experienced the glamour and excitement of Hollywood as the red carpet was rolled out at the Leicestershire Cut Films 2012 Short Film Awards.

Tobacco Free Leicestershire & Rutland – the multi-agency partnership in raising awareness of smoking and smoking related illnesses across the region, teamed up with The Deborah Hutton Campaign’s Cut Films project

to educate young people on the realities of smoking.

Deborah’s husband, Charlie Stebbings who attended the Leicestershire Cut Films 2012 Short Film Awards, started the national Cut Films competition to stop young people starting smoking and becoming replacement smokers. Seven groups of talented young filmmakers, including six schools and the Youth Offending Service,

BEst storYLinEWinner:Youth Offending ServiceHighly Commended:Youth Offending Service

BEst UsE oF mUsiCWinner:Castle DoningtonCommunity CollegeHighly commended:Heathfield High School

Six awards were handed out to the following deserving

winners, with another six entries being highly commended…

BEst PErFormAnCEWinner:Youth Offending ServiceHighly Commended:Youth Offending Service

BEst UsE oF GrAPHiCs And sPECiAL EFFECtsWinner:Redmoor High SchoolHighly Commended:Redmoor High School

JUdGEs’ AWArd Winner:Youth Offending ServiceHighly Commended:Youth Offending Service

PEoPLEs’ CHoiCE AWArdWinner:Winstanley Community CollegeHighly commended:Castle DoningtonCommunity College

were briefed by Tobacco Free Leicestershire and Rutland to create a two-minute film to encourage their friends to either give up smoking or to not start smoking.

In contrast to the many ways in which smoking is glamorised in the film and media industries, each group researched the harmful nature of smoking and made a short film to convey their views, before uploading it to the national Cut Films competition and sharing it on their social media profiles.

Using the latest technology and special effects, and ably supported by Dan and Ali from Commonunity Arts, the young people completed a total of 11 different videos, using their imagination and passion to create a selection of high-impact short films that generated a powerful message.

To celebrate the achievements of all of the young people involved, the Leicestershire Cut Films Awards were held at Brockington Community College in Enderby on Wednesday June 13th when the films were

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did YoU KnoW? • Around 1 in 5 adults in

Leicestershire and Rutland smoke

(114,000 people).

• From 2007 – 2009 there were

169.3 deaths per 100.000 people

in Leicestershire and Rutland

attributable to smoking.

• Each year in England around

340,000 children under the age of

16 who have never smoked before

try smoking cigarettes.

• 10 million adults smoke

cigarettes in Great Britain, which is

a sixth of the population.

announced and awards were presented by a special panel made up of filmmakers, health specialists and other young people that had been the target audience of the videos.

Jane Roberts of Tobacco Free Leicestershire and Rutland, who led the project, talked in more detail about the aim of the Cut Films.

“In Leicestershire, smoking prevention is a top public health priority. The aim of this project was for young people aged between 11 and 19-years-old to try and persuade their friends and peers, either to stop smoking or if they do smoke, to stop. It’s very much about peer to peer support and influencing other young people.

“Getting young people involved in creating something of their own really helps them engage with the topic and using the medium of film really helps. They have come up with some really creative and innovative ideas relating to smoking. Tonight has been like our local BAFTA’s and it’s been fantastic.”

Dan and Ali from Commonunity Arts, worked with five out of the seven groups and were both full of praise for the initiative, as Ali explained.

“Cut Films is an excellent way for young people to explore the issue of smoking in a way which they’ll enjoy. Given the opportunity it allowed them to really grasp it with both hands and it’s been amazing to see their professionalism, organisation and commitment to it, and we’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Dan also enjoyed the experience of working with such enthusiastic young people.

“In every group we worked with it was a team-based exercise and a real democracy. The way they brainstormed ideas helped them come up with their own unique concepts.”

For more information on Cut Films visit www.cutfilms.org

HELPING LEICESTER STOP SMOKING

01162954141 STOP!


An insPirAtionAL LEGACY

To find out more about Inspire LeicesterShire and how the legacy of the Games will be felt in Leicester and Leicestershire visit: www.inspireleics.org.uk Twitter @inspireleics

Patchwork Pledge ExhibitionBack in 2010, Inspire LeicesterShire & Lionheart Project asked for help to create a ‘London 2012 inspired’ pledge blanket in aid of Age UK, Leicester

Shire & Rutland. Two years on, the My Games My Legacy ‘Patchwork Pledge’ project has become an overwhelming success. Crocheted 6” squares have been joined together into one large blanket that celebrates the Games in 2012.

Made up of over 22,000 squares and measuring approximately 500 square metres, the blanket has been put together by an army of volunteers who have embraced the Olympic & Paralympic values to create the biggest blanket Leicester & Leicestershire has ever seen! The blanket will be on display alongside Lionheart Project at Curve Theatre from Thursday June 28th until Tuesday 10th July and at Twycross Zoo from September 11th until December 21st. Both exhibitions are FREE to view.

For further information visitwww.inspireleics.org.uk/patchworkpledge

50th Wells Sports Foundation Athlete Visit Takes Place in LeicesterThe Wells Sports Foundation Athletes 4 Schools scheme aims to engage young people through the vales of sport by introducing them to Olympic athletes preparing for London 2012. Since its launch in 2012, there have been 52 successful athlete visits to schools in Leicester and Leicestershire, which have reached over 8000 young people. The 50th visit involved GB swimmers, Lizzie Simmonds and Caitlin McClatchey, and took place at Mellor Primary School in Leicester on May 16th.

Leicester and Leicestershire Games Maker Grant Scheme

The Leicester and Leicestershire Games Maker Grant Scheme was established to support local London 2012 volunteers with

the cost of volunteering at the Games. The scheme, funded by Inspire LeicesterShire, Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport and local authorities has been able to support over 60 local volunteers to take up this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Leicester Youngsters Meet the Man with the Golden GunA group of young people from Crown Hills Community College in Leicester tasted life as a top sports official after taking part in a master class with Alan Bell, the man who will fire the starting gun at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Since becoming an athletics official in 1976, Alan has started more than 25,000 races, including the 2011 World Athletics Championships in Daegu.

Photo courtesy of Youth Sport Trust.

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LiFEstYLE

The European Le Mans Series is coming toDonington Park between July 13th and 15th.To buy tickets visit www.donington-park.co.uk

family commitments, but for many the chance to sit in the sun or go for a short walk, is something of a luxury.

To ensure that they receive the required levels of Vitamin D, people need to be in the sun for 10 to 15 minutes, with bare arms, hands and face, and no sun protection, two to three times a week. For those with darker skin, it is recommended that the time is increased to 25 to 30 minutes. These can be split into smaller blocks of time throughout the day, with the skin protected by high-factor sunscreen for the remainder of the time.

those at risk…· Pregnant and breastfeeding women· Babies and children under 5· People over 65 years of age who are not exposed to much sun· People confined indoors for large periods of time or those that cover up outdoors· People who have darker skin of African, African-Caribbean and South Asian origin.

Varshna Rajput, 40, from Oadby, who has recently been diagnosed with Vitamin D deficiency, explained how she discovered the condition and what’s been done to treat it.

“I work full-time and have two children and about a month ago I started to feel weak, my bones were aching and


To make the most of the increased summer sunshine, the Leicestershire NHS Partnership Trust is encouraging local people to ensure that they give their bodies the required levels of Vitamin D, to help maintain a healthy lifestyle and tackle increasing rates of Vitamin D deficiency.

Throughout July, awareness raising around the importance of Vitamin D will take place in wards of Leicester city, where data suggests Vitamin D deficiency is more common.

90% of our Vitamin D comes from the sun, meaning that just the remaining 10% comes from food. Most people diagnosed with Vitamin D deficiency do not have obvious symptoms, although they may suffer from tiredness or aches and pains.

The government estimates that up to a quarter of the UK population has low levels of Vitamin D and this deficiency gives people a significantly increased risk of developing other health conditions, such as…

· osteoporosis· diabetes· Cancer· Heart disease· tuberculosis· Children can also develop rickets

Often people are too busy to get the required time in the sunshine. It could be long working hours or

sUnnY dLiGHtI had an upset stomach. I went to see my doctor who ran a number of blood tests and eventually, I was diagnosed with the deficiency. It was something I’d never considered and I was very surprised.

“I love the sun, but it’s a case of finding the time to sit outside for long enough. To make sure I get enough Vitamin D, I am now taking the supplements and I’m just pleased that I can do something about it and become healthier.”

Pregnant women or those with children under four can be issued with Vitamin D supplements as part of the Healthy Start Scheme and should speak to their Pharmacist, Midwife or Health Visitor.

For more information contact teresa spilsbury, Health improvement services, on0116 292 4580 or [email protected]

Jon reeves: Firstly, can you explain how it felt to be named in the final squad?

Hannah macleod: I felt relieved and excited. It’s a huge privilege and for someone who didn’t go to Beijing it’s been a long time coming. The build up has gone crazy and I’m really looking forward to it. Chloe rogers: It was probably relief more than anything. To make

LEiCEstEr HoCKEY CLUB’s oLYmPiC QUArtEt Words Jon Reeves

the soar Point with:

The highly-talented quartet also play for the all-conquering Leicester Hockey Club and have dedicated the last three years to combining a centralised GB training programme at Bisham Abbey with regular trips up the M40 to turn out for the Pukkas.

After a whole host of impressive results, including a runners-up place in this year’s Champions Trophy in Argentina, the team

represent one of Great Britain’s best chances of medal glory this summer, and the colour of that medal could very well be gold.

Anne, Chloe, Crista and Hannah spoke exclusively to Soar Magazine about the buzz of making the squad, coupled with the pain of seeing team-mates missing out, the team’s preparations and targets, and topping the podium this summer…

Four of Great Britain’s finest hockey players, Anne Panter, Chloe rogers, Crista Cullen and Hannah macleod, are preparing for the biggest few weeks of their sporting lives.


Pictured L to R: Crista Cullen, Anne Panter, Chloe Rodgers, Hannah Macleod.

soAr Point

the final 16 was the first step and now I’m just looking forward to the Games.Crista Cullen: I’m honoured and privileged to represent Great Britain at a home Games and I’m looking forward to getting started. Anne Panter: It’s really good to be able focus on training knowing that you are going and it’s about making sure that you’re in the best possible shape.

Jr: it can’t have been easy seeing your team-mates and friends missing out?

AP: We’re all so close and have trained as a squad of 28 for the last three years and when that email comes out, you look for your name, and then for your friends. You feel incredibly bad for the people that have missed out because everybody put in the same amount of effort and shared the same dream. We’re playing for the 12 girls that aren’t in the squad, as much as ourselves. CC: Obviously it is pure devastation for the girls that haven’t made the squad but the strength of character that they’ve all demonstrated epitomises this group. The fact that they still rocked up to training everyday to make the squad of 16 stronger for the Olympics is a credit to them all. Cr: I live with two of the Leicester girls that weren’t picked, Maddie Hinch and Katie Long, and it’s been a tough time. They’re obviously pleased for me but at the same time you’ve got to try and comfort them. Hm: It’s part of the harsh reality of being an elite athlete. You always think that your best is good enough to get you where you want to go. When you’re playing at the top of your game and that doesn’t happen, it’s a massive blow.

Jr: there’s a strong Leicester presence in the GB squad, how supportive have the club been throughout your career? Hm: Our coach Chris Mayer knows what it’s like to be in Great Britain squads and the Olympic Games and he’s incredibly passionate and supportive, as is the rest of the club. It’s a fantastic club to be part of and I think the fact that we all travel over 100 miles to home games is a clear indication of how much we value the club. Cr: I joined Leicester because I wanted to be coached by one of the best in the country, in Chris Mayer, to win titles and play with international players. The dedication we all put in is fantastic and makes it a very special club. AP: The club has been fantastic and our best interests have been at the heart of every decision. Playing

47

in Europe for Leicester has been a massive part of our development.

Jr: How are the preparations for the Games going and what’s the mood like in the squad?

Hm: It’s business as usual in some respects. We’ve still got time to make some improvements in the team and individuals are working on aspects of their game. Cr: We’ve had three years pushing towards this moment and we can still make little one percentage gains that can make a difference. Hockey is a tough tournament sport at the Olympics, we play seven games in two weeks and we have to be ready for that. All of the training we’ve put in will hopefully help us to medal. AP: In every session, in everything we do, we’re striving to be the very, very best and that won’t change,

Photo courtesy of Ady Kerry

right up until our last game of the tournament.

Jr: the profile of the team and of hockey in general seems to be increasing all the time…

AP: Investec and GB Hockey have done a fantastic job with their sponsorship and promoting the team. Close to half a million people watched the team in the Champions Cup on the BBC’s red button. Since then there has been a building interest, but as a squad we’re staying focused and remaining in our bubble.Hm: All 28 members of the squad have really embraced the media attention we’ve received, but it’s not out of individual interest or for any monetary gain, it’s completely about promoting the sport and making sure we’re seen as positive role models. Investec have played a massive part in making us more glamorous and creating a positive image for women’s hockey.Cr: Investec and the governing body of Great Britain hockey have done a fantastic job of getting

hockey out there as a sport and that comes from being successful as a team on the pitch. Winning medals gets you a bit more in the public eye and people start to take notice and take an interest in sport. I think hockey has come a long way over the years.CC: With strong performances comes an element of public interest. For any Great Britain athlete, to be at the home events where the general public are

demonstrating excitement makes it ever so special.

Jr: With the Games so close, what is the target, is it simply to medal or are you focused on gold?

AP: We’ve trained for the last three years with what we call a gold mentality, which means that in everything we do, we’re striving to be the best in the world, with that

“We’ve trained for the last three years with what we call a gold mentality...”


soAr Point

Let’s hope that the girls’ best is good enough to reach the gold standard that they’ve been setting themselves for the last three years and that we see Anne, Chloe, Crista and Hannah topping the podium in London.

thanks to investec and Great British Hockey for their assistance with this interview.aim of winning gold at the Olympic

Games. We’re realistic contenders for gold, we demonstrated that in the Champions Trophy. I think in London, with the crowd on our side, people will fancy us for gold and we absolutely 100 percent believe in our ability to go out there and deliver that, but right now our focus is purely on our preparation and our first game against Japan at 7pm on July 29th.CC: What gets us up every morning is the thought of standing on the top of the podium. We’re going

“hopefully our best is good enough.”

to be playing in front of crowds of 16,000 with something like 640,000 tickets sold for hockey and those are new realms for us. A lot of people ask about the expectation and the pressure, and I think the complete opposite of that, I think the home crowds we’ve had in the past have helped and we very much view the crowd as an extra player on the pitch.Cr: We’ve just got to focus on the task in hand. As an athlete you want to be the best you can be in your sport and the pinnacle is

49

obviously that gold medal. We’ve proven ourselves in the Champions Trophy and the medals we’ve won over the last few years state that we can challenge. I think that the home support will hopefully push us on to that next level, which is obviously topping the podium and winning gold. In training we strive to be the best we can be everyday, so hopefully the best we can be is good enough.

www.soarmagazine.co.ukwww.soarmagazine.co.uk

AUssiEson toUr…the Australian cricket team kicked off their VB tour of the British isles with a 50-over game against Leicestershire at Grace road on thursday June 21st.

A team including captain michael Clarke, fast-bowler Brett Lee and batsman david Hussey took to the field to help the Aussies defeat the Foxes by 102 runs following a rain-reduced game.

In association with:

inPiCs

For more information on Soar Photo visit: www.soarphoto.co.uk @soarphoto Search ‘soar photo’


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soar magazine issue 17

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