‘Club launch is boost for Olympics’
7:43pm Monday 17th March 2008
A canoe club has caused a splash after unveiling a new £160,000 facility.
Bradford & Bingley Canoe Club (BBCC) now boasts a storage unit, situated on a prime river site on Wagon Lane, Bingley, thanks to a Sport England grant.
It is in the grounds of Bradford & Bingley Sports Club, which has agreed to a 25-year lease, where a national slalom competition attracts 100 competitors from across the country every May.
Members are delighted with the new facility, which has replaced the club's old portable building and two rusty metal containers. Lighting has also been upgraded.
BBCC chairman Wendy Robinson said: "The grant will enable the club to grow, to operate more efficiently and to consolidate its position as one of Yorkshire's top clubs.
"The club is active on most days of the week, with river lighting that enables evening canoeing all year round.
"The club is well on the way to achieving its aim to become a leading canoe and kayak club within the region.
"These new facilities have provided a real boost for canoeing and kayaking in Bradford and Bingley and the whole of the Yorkshire region.
"They will help the club in its aims to get more people involved and reach their potential - now, in the run up to 2012." Sport England's Marie Rutherford, who launched the new facility, said: "The people of the club have to be congratulated in moving this forward and achieving success. Sport England and the British Canoe Union are there to facilitate."
A scheme has also been launched to recognise the work done by Bradford's sporting volunteers, who can now be accredited for the voluntary work they do.
The accreditation scheme will allow volunteers to develop their skills and use them in other parts of the county if they wish. Firms have also been urged to get a piece of the action in the run-up to the Olympics, with firms encouraged to win contracts from the 2012 extravaganza.
For information about the canoe club, log on to bradbingcc.org.uk