Olympic long jumper opens new sports facility
21st November 2013 11:43am - Return to press releases
Olympic long jumper Chris Tomlinson has officially opened East Riding College’s new £220,000 sports facility in Bridlington.
The “multi-use games area” (MUGA) has a playing surface covering 1,789 square metres and will be used for a wide variety of sports.
It accommodates three tennis courts, two five-a-side football pitches and three basketball courts, and is also marked out for netball, volleyball, handball, hockey and cricket practice.
The facility will be used by students on sports courses as part of their practical and coaching sessions and by others in their extra-curricular activities, as well as by the community and sports clubs.
Chris took part in a question and answer session with sports students before taking an athletics coaching session with them and then running a multi-sports session for pupils from Bay and Burlington Primary Schools, with the aid of the students.
Chris said: “It was great to meet the students. They were really keen to find out what it’s like to be an athlete and make a living from working in the industry.
“It’ll be excellent for the College students to have the MUGA so they can take part in outdoor sessions in athletics, netball, football and other sports throughout the year.
“It’s a real boost for students on sports courses but also those who are interested in the kinds of activities that will be taking place on it.”
Matt Jeffery, the College’s sport maker, said: “The students were fascinated by what Chris had to say and they really benefitted from spending the morning talking to him and taking part in his coaching session.
“We’re now looking forward to putting the MUGA to good use during sports lessons but also the extra-curricular sports and fun physical activity sessions that are open to everyone.”
Sports student Zach Briggs, 17, from Bridlington said: “I really enjoyed meeting Chris and finding out what it’s like to be an elite athlete.
“It was also great to use the MUGA for the first time during Chris’ coaching session. We can’t wait to start using it!”
The MUGA has a multi-use tarmac surface, enclosed by mesh fencing. It will be available for use by students but also for community groups and clubs for sports and activities for adults and children.
For more information on sports courses and facilities at East Riding College, visit www.eastridingcollege.ac.uk or call 0845 120 0037.
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Notes to editors
For more information about this press release, call Matthew Croshaw, marketing and communications manager, on 01482 390720 or email [email protected]
