Dame Tanni Inspires Academy Stars
Tees Active Sports Academy Champion Dame Tanni Grey Thompson welcomed six new young talented athletes into the Tees Active Sports Academy. Andrew Fletcher (rugby), Michael Duffield(figure skating),Heidi Kilty, Ben Patterson, James Cass and Andrew Wiles(athletics).International ice hockey player James Moutrey was also inducted into the Academy but unfortunately was unable to attend the ceremony held at the Castlegate Quay Watersports Centre.
The Academy now consists of 34 athletes covering 11 different sports, all the Academy athletes were treated to a short inspirational speech from Dame Tanni followed by a lively question and answer session which covered such topics as motivation, nutrition, training methods and which sporting figures had inspired Dame Tanni.
Dame Tanni said” I am personally delighted that Tees Active through the establishment of Tees Active Sports Academy is creating a support structure to help talented local athletes realise their full sporting potential. I fully support this exciting initiative, which I believe will make a big difference on producing our future champions”
Allan McDermott told the audience at the ceremony of the successes of some of the Academy members over the past three months which included Jessica Dickons winning Gold and Silver and Jemma Lowe winning two Silvers at the European Junior Swimming Championships and Richard Kilty winning the English Schools 100m Championships.
The Academy is rapidly developing with Teesside Sports Injury Centre opening a satellite site at Billingham Forum on August 14th and a series of lectures being organised on Sports Psychology, Sports Injuries and Sports Nutrition.
Allan said” We are aiming to increase and improve the support available to our athletes and are currently actively seeking a sponsor for the Academy”.
If you are interested in sponsoring the Tees Active Sports Academy contact Allan McDermott on (01642) 528772.