Olympic swimmer and medallist, Steve Parry joined over 100 delegates at Sport Nottinghamshire's annual conference yesterday (Friday 12 March) at Southwell Racecourse. Steve provided a unique insight into life as an Olympian as well as looking at how we can create a significant 2012 legacy in Nottinghamshire. He commented: 'The 2012 Olympics in London will really make a difference to sport in the UK, providing young people and future generations with the opportunity to see that anyone can get involved in sport with the right support networks around them.' 'A key focus for Nottinghamshire between now and 2012 is to look at what we're doing to really make a difference. The athletes are often too focused on their training and development to say this themselves so it’s up to us to ensure they have the encouragement, motivation and resources to achieve big things for Nottinghamshire and the UK.' He was joined by other top speakers including Steve Grainger, Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust; City and County Partnership Development Managers, Nick Robb and Liz Roberts; Adam Blaze, Relationship Manager for Community Sport at Sport England; and Chris Rolle, Sports Development Manager at Nottinghamshire County Council. Each provided their own perspective on current key topics in the sports industry. The seminar, titled 'Partnership & Legacy', also saw some informative workshops which gave delegates the chance to get involved in discussions on the future of sport in Nottinghamshire. They included the 2012 Torch Relay, the 2012 Inspire Mark and the Structure and Delivery of Disability Sport. Simon Starr, director of Sport Nottinghamshire said: 'We're delighted with the turn out today and I hope that the delegates have taken as much from it as we have. It’s really encouraging to see so many of our stakeholders showing a vested interest in sport and its progression in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.' One of the key highlights of the day was the 2012 Torch Relay workshop, a creative session enabling stakeholders in the county to get together, hoping to make the Nottinghamshire leg the best in the country.
Simon added: 'The 2012 Torch Relay workshop in particular has proved really popular amongst delegates today and quite rightly so. We are hoping that the Torch will travel through Nottingham and Nottinghamshire on its route to London, providing the chance for local people to see it and carry it.' 'The only certain factor is that the Olympic Games Torch will arrive in the Olympic Stadium in London on 27 July 2012. What happens prior to that, cannot be predicted at this stage and whilst we are really keen for Nottinghamshire to feature in the route, we'll just have to keep everything crossed.' Aside from the workshops, delegates had plenty of health and fitness related activities to keep them occupied with Nottingham based Concept2 running a challenge on their rowing machine. In addition to this, Wattbike, which is also Nottingham based ran a challenge on their revolutionary cycle, the only realistic feeling static bike endorsed by British Cycling. Mini health checks were also available for delegates on the day, courtesy of Newark & Sherwood District Council. For more information on Sport Nottinghamshire or to watch video clips from the seminar, please visit www.sportnottinghamshire.co.uk. | 