HAVERING CORMORANTS DIVING FOR OLYMPIC GLORY
Supported by London Swimming, the Havering club modernisation programme is one of many projects currently being undertaken in the London Region, aimed at increasing participation in aquatic sports and helping the nation to get fitter and be healthier.
With the 2012 Olympics just around the corner, many of Britain’s facilities are seeing modernisation programmes aimed at giving British athletes the best possible training facilities to help them achieve Olympic glory.
The grant awarded to Havering Cormorants Diving Club will enable, them to do exactly that. Once completed the modernised facilities will give the club’s divers access to world class, state of the art technology and training areas, including:
- A purpose built poolside warm up and conditioning area - this will give the club an area specifically designed for preparing divers of all levels prior to pool sessions.
- Training bubbles - these help divers in the pool to develop advanced diving skills by providing an assisted, air cushioned, dive entry.
- Specialist dry-land equipment - an area where divers will develop and accelerate the progression from fundamental to advanced diving skills and also provide coach development opportunities.
- Delayed video system with poolside viewing screen - this will give immediate visual feedback and skill analysis opportunities to divers and coaches.
In addition to making diving more accessible to the local community, the influence of the new equipment will act as a springboard for potential young Olympic and Paralympic diving hopefuls.
Colin Brown, Director of London Swimming, welcomed the news saying, “This grant, which makes possible the refurbishment programme, will add to the facilities that we have available in London, which can only be a good thing. The improved facilities will be of huge benefit to the diving community, giving young divers a first class facility in which to train”.
Ian Macleod, The Havering Cormorants Club Chairman, said: “This award will allow the club to develop its facilities and take it from being a great club facility to an all new and world class level. Not only will this allow us to attract some of the finest divers in the area, but it will also encourage more people from the local community into the sport.”
John Brewer, Chair of Sport England London Regional Sports Board, said: “The facilities available at Hornchurch are currently of a very high standard, but in order to allow them to raise the bar and to help them compete internationally, investment was needed. Not only will this grant help them achieve these goals of Olympic glory, but will also help increase the level of participation in sport and recreation amongst the Hornchurch community”.
