Olympic gold medalist unveils new adiZone
Crowds of school children, dignitaries and Count Me In! members flocked to the new Tewkesbury adiZone as Beijing Olympic Gold and Silver Medalist Jason Kenny officially unveiled the giant multi-purpose outdoor gym at The Vineyards.
The hordes battled the cold and wind to watch as the champion sprint track cyclist did the honours, before being entertained with a street dance performance by GD Urban. The children, invited from local schools, then took part in short sessions on the adiZone equipment, playing basketball and learning street dance moves – all overseen by the Olympian.
Olympic medalist Jason, said: “It’s great for all these kids to get involved the equipment looks great hopefully they will come and get stuck in. I’m really impressed with how great it looks. Places like this will make it a lot easier for people to get healthy and if it encourages more people involved with sport then that can only be a good thing. Sport is a great way to stay healthy and it makes you feel good about yourself. Everyone should come down to the adiZone and have a go – enjoy it!”
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 – and Tewkesbury Borough Council to install the permanent installation.
Andy Sanders, Count Me In! lead for physical activity, said: “It’s been a wonderful day. It is great to see everyone getting involved despite the cold. We’re so thrilled that such a talented athlete as Jason was able to share this with us. The adiZone is a wonderful opportunity for the people of Tewkesbury to get fit for free and Jason is a shining example of what can be achieved through fitness and should be an inspiration to us all.”
The adiZone has been jointly funded through the Government’s Healthy Towns programme, (locally known as CMI), adidas through The DCFS (Partnerships for Schools) and NHS Gloucestershire. Tewkesbury Borough Council has provided the land at The Vineyards, while Tewkesbury Town Council is funding the maintenance of the site.
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. It is free to use and will be open 365 days a year.