Count Me In! adiZone in sight for Tewkesbury
The Count Me In! programme is working with adidas to bring the people of Tewkesbury an adiZone – a giant multi-sport outdoor gym venue which aims to inspire the local community to get involved in sport.
The Government-funded Count Me In! programme, which is running across Tewkesbury to encourage healthier lifestyles for all ages, has been working with adidas – the official sportswear partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, to install the permanent installation at an open space in or around the town. Measuring 625sq metres, the gym boasts sporting facilities inspired by Olympic and Paralympic sports, including a basketball, football and tennis area, a climbing wall, an outdoor gym and an open area to encourage dance, aerobics and gymnastics.
Free to use, and open 365 days a year, the adiZone is anticipated to be in place over the next few months.
The Count Me In! adiZone will provide a place where people in Tewkesbury can meet socially whilst being encouraged to play sports. Local coaches and sports club organisers will be invited to attend the site, to spot talent and encourage young people to join local clubs and sporting organisations. AdiZones were initially installed by adidas in four of the London 2012 host boroughs, and are now being introduced to towns and cities across the UK as the Olympic and Paralympic Games preparation increases.
Andy Sanders, Count Me In! board member for Physical Activity said: “We’re thrilled that our application for an adiZone has been successful. There are only a few across the country, so Tewkesbury is privileged to be chosen and we’re confident it will be greatly enjoyed by all ages and abilities. We hope the adiZone will help local people become healthier, have great fun together and be proud to be associated with the 2012 Olympics.”
Seb Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games said: "It’s fantastic to see adidas expanding the adiZone programme to Tewkesbury. The adiZones inspire young people to become more active and help make our vision of encouraging these young people to choose sport a reality."
Nick Craggs, Director of Marketing, adidas Area North added: “As a London 2012 sponsor, adidas believes it is vitally important that free sporting facilities are made available and accessible if we are truly going to get the nation participating in sport. To date the installation of adiZones has brought groups of young people together to get involved in a variety of sports and improved community relations, echoing the legacy that the London 2012 Games hopes to achieve.”