Free access for national sports people (FANS)
As the Olympics were formally handed over from Beijing to London in August 2008, top athletes across North Devon have the chance to join a new scheme to help them reach their full potential.
North Devon Council’s free access for national sports people (FANS) scheme allows national level sports people to use facilities at North Devon leisure centre and Ilfracombe swimming pool free of charge.
The scheme is run in partnership with Parkwood Leisure and aims to reduce the financial burden of training costs for local, elite athletes.
It is open to sports people who:
- have represented the country in the last 12 months
- live in the North Devon Council area
- are 14 years or older
- provide evidence of their involvement at a national level from the appropriate national governing body of sport
Membership of the
scheme is renewable each year.
Craig Attwood, national junior air riffle target shooter who is one of the first to benefit from the scheme says: "Fitness is a big part of shooting and needs to be kept on top of."
Kirstyann Attwood, who also competes at a national level in junior air riffle target shooting and will benefit from the scheme added: "Having the scheme will help encourage us to focus on our fitness. Thanks to North Devon Council and Parkwood Leisure for their help."
Cllr David Butt, Lead Member for Cultural Services (Youth and Diversity) says: "Many national athletes receive little or no financial support for the additional training and costs needed to compete at the top level. This is a fantastic scheme to help local sports people reach their full potential."
Alan Waistell, North Devon Manager, North Devon Contract, Parkwood Leisure says: "North Devon Leisure Centre plans to give athletes that are potential representatives for the 2012 Olympics full access to our gym, fitness classes and pool during public swimming sessions. We will also try to accommodate private use of our facilities, as long as it does not affect the public.
"As a company, Parkwood Leisure has a 2012 Olympic Committee, focussing on centres across the country where athletes can train before the Olympics and has a south west representative on the committee called Darren Parrot."
The scheme is the idea of Sport England and supports the council’s commitment to provide accessible leisure opportunities to all members of the community.
National level sports people in North Devon who would like more information about the scheme can contact Mark Kentell, North Devon Council Leisure and Health Officer on 01271 388200 or email mark.kentell@northdevon.gov.uk.
Craig Attwood, national junior air riffle target shooter who is one of the first to benefit from the scheme says: "Fitness is a big part of shooting and needs to be kept on top of."
Kirstyann Attwood, who also competes at a national level in junior air riffle target shooting and will benefit from the scheme added: "Having the scheme will help encourage us to focus on our fitness. Thanks to North Devon Council and Parkwood Leisure for their help."
Cllr David Butt, Lead Member for Cultural Services (Youth and Diversity) says: "Many national athletes receive little or no financial support for the additional training and costs needed to compete at the top level. This is a fantastic scheme to help local sports people reach their full potential."
Alan Waistell, North Devon Manager, North Devon Contract, Parkwood Leisure says: "North Devon Leisure Centre plans to give athletes that are potential representatives for the 2012 Olympics full access to our gym, fitness classes and pool during public swimming sessions. We will also try to accommodate private use of our facilities, as long as it does not affect the public.
"As a company, Parkwood Leisure has a 2012 Olympic Committee, focussing on centres across the country where athletes can train before the Olympics and has a south west representative on the committee called Darren Parrot."
The scheme is the idea of Sport England and supports the council’s commitment to provide accessible leisure opportunities to all members of the community.
National level sports people in North Devon who would like more information about the scheme can contact Mark Kentell, North Devon Council Leisure and Health Officer on 01271 388200 or email mark.kentell@northdevon.gov.uk.
