adiZone arrives in Newham

An adidas sponsored sports zone was opened in Beckton today by Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales and players from the British Paralympic basketball team.

The multi-sport floodlit area, called an adiZone, is part of adidass £1mil London 2012 sponsorship package. The area is fully equipped to cater for basketball, football and tennis with a climbing wall, outdoor gym and an open space area for dance, aerobics, gymnastics and martial arts.

The adiZone will be used by the council as a venue for free sports sessions as part of its extensive sports development programme which aims to increase residents participation in sports.

Children from Gallions Primary School, Beckton joined Sir Robin at the launch after winning a best behaved class competition. The pupils also planted some shrubs to mark the occasion.

The adiZone in Warwall, Beckton, is fully accessible for all users and is free to use.

Sir Robin said: The adiZone is a great state of the art space for local people to get active and participate in a host of activities - and best of all its completely free to use.

The council is committed to getting people active regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or ability. There is no barrier to physical activity in Newham with a host of free activities available at great sites just like this one.

The adiZone is a great example of the council working in partnership with a private sector partner to give the local community the best possible facilities.

Head of sustainable neighbourhoods at East Thames Group, Maureen Worby, said: Were so pleased for the residents of Beckton. The adiZone is not only an important facility for local people, to help them be more active, but it is also a testament to the difference that people can make to their own community. This project stemmed from suggestions made by residents as part of East Thames Better Neighbourhoods scheme. They wanted an outdoor facility for young people in particular. A place to gather, socialise and keep fit. Just 15 months later their ideas have become a reality thanks to a great joint effort between the residents themselves, East Thames, Newham Council and adidas.

Director of Marketing, adidas Area North, Nick Craggs, said: When adidas announced our London 2012 tier one sponsorship we committed to encouraging and inspiring Londons youth to participate in sport. The adiZones in the five Host Boroughs are an initial step towards creating a real legacy and demonstrating the adidas commitment post the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games. It is important that free sporting facilities are made available and accessibility if we are truly going to get the nation participating in sport.

London 2012 Chairman Sebastian Coe said: This is an outstanding example of how our partners can extend the vision we took to Singapore projects such as this are exactly what we hoped a Games in London would deliver for young people. adidas is the perfect partner in this regard and this type of initiative will leave a great legacy for the young people of Newham and Londoners in general.

For more information about Newham Councils free sports programmes visit: www.newham.gov.uk/services/sportsdevelopment.