News, August 2011

Iain Percy and Andrew Simpson setting sail to conquer the world at next year's Games
Surrey athlete Andrew Simpson and teammate Iain Percy reflect on competing together when they were children. The duo also reflects on recent competitions and look forward to aspirations at London 2012.

England smash past France into the European Hockey Championship semi finals
England have secured an impressive 8-1 victory at the European Championships in Germany. Surbiton Hockey players James Tindall and Richard Alexander both added their names to the score chart with two goals each.

Team Guatemala visits Surrey
The Guatemala National Olympic Committee recently visited Surrey to view the county's excellent training facilities. This visit could potentially see further world-class athletes from a number of sports train in Surrey prior to London 2012.

Be part of the London 2012 Opening and Closing Ceremonies
Do you have what it takes to perform in front of a packed stadium at the greatest show on earth? London 2012 are now recruiting volunteer performers to kick start the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Artistic Directors Danny Boyle and Kim Gavin are looking for around 10,000 volunteer performers to fill roles as dancers, actors, percussionists and general all rounders. Find out how you can be part of it.

Olympic dress rehearsal hailed a success
Residents of London and Surrey received an early taste for the Olympic Games on Sunday 14 August 2011. Tens of thousands of spectators gathered on our roads to cheer on the Olympic cyclists in the London-Surrey Cycle Classic. After winning the green jersey at the 2011 Tour de France, British cycling champion Mark Cavendish finished in first place, thrilling crowds across the county.

Team Singapore arrive in Surrey
With a number of foreign Olympic and Paralympic teams set to arrive in Surrey prior to London 2012, team Singapore has been the first to arrive and use some of the county's excellent training facilities. A number of Singapore's teams from various sports are currently training at the Surrey Sports Park in Guildford and the National Shooting Centre in Bisley in their preparation for London 2012.

Games transport website launched to help spectators plan how they will travel next summer
Spectators for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be able to plan their journeys via a new website launched by London 2012. This website will provide advice on getting to London 2012 venues via train, coach, river or tube from anywhere in the UK.

The Dog & The Palace Film & Workshops granted Inspire Mark from London 2012
Local filmmaker Gary Thomas has been awarded the London 2012 Inspire Mark for his latest film project 'The Dog and The Palace'. The film is one of the many projects within Surrey to be awarded with the Inspire Mark. Find out more about the exciting projects inspired by London 2012 in your area.

Opportunity for 16-18 year olds to play an important role in delivering London 2012
LOCOG have announced that around 2,000 positions are available for young people to be Young Games Makers and help to deliver the Olympic and Paralympic games through support roles across a range of sports.

Q&A with Surrey athletes. Allan Wells MBE
With Surrey receiving an early taste of London 2012 through the London-Surrey Cycle Classic, who better to feature in our monthly Q&A articles than Olympic Legend Allan Wells MBE. Allan has already experienced the hype of the Olympic and Paralympic Games through his gold and silver medal wins at the 1980 Moscow Games. Here Allan informs us on what the Games mean to him and how he sees London 2012 being an influence on Surrey's young people.

London-Surrey Cycle Classic
Catch a preview of the London 2012 Olympic Road Cycling Race in Surrey this August. The test event will be on 14 August and will feature the world’s top cycling athletes. This will be your opportunity to get a real taste for London 2012 a year early and watch from our local area for free. Find out about road closures and how to obtain wristbands for selected viewing areas.

London-Surrey Cycle Classic Road Race (Temporary Traffic Measures) Order (PDF)
In order to ensure that the Olympic Cycling Road Race event in 2012 is a success, Surrey County Council are introducing a temporary order that will come into effect on 13 August 2011. Full details can be downloaded via the above PDF link.

Support your local athletes

• Silver medals for Liam Heath and Lani Belcher at the 2011 Sprint Canoeing Championships
  As the championships come to an end, the British team come home with three Silver medals. Two of which were awarded to Surrey athletes Lani Belcher and Liam Heath.
  
  
• British Synchro Swimming Team finish ninth at 2011 World Championships
  The British team ended their campaign on a high note after beating USA for the first time. Featured in the GB team are Surrey athletes Jenna Randall, Asha Randall, Lauren Smith and Olivia Allison. The duet team Jenna and Olivia will also be celebrating their move up the world rankings.
  
  
• Typical training day for James Tindall
  Team GB and Surbiton hockey star James Tindall talk to the Daily Mirror about his average day of training in the run up to London 2012.
  
  
• Britain's 50 best medal hopes
  The Guardian newspaper has made 50 predictions for Team GB's top medal hopes at London 2012. Featured in these predictions are Surrey athletes Tim Brabants (canoeing), Andrew Simpson (sailing) and Liam Heath (rowing). Also featured is road cyclist Mark Cavendish who will be competing in Surrey's borders at London 2012.
  
  
• Gold medallist Brabants to return to medicine after London 2012
  Olympic medallist Tim Brabants is set to return to his medical career after London 2012. The Chertsey born kayaker tells Inside the Games about his decision.
  
  
• 20 Team GB gold medal predictions
  Daily Telegraph sports journalist Simon Hart makes his 20 gold medal predictions for Team GB at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Featured in his predictions is Surrey sprint canoeist Rachel Cawthorne. Also featured is road cyclist Mark Cavendish who will be competing within Surrey's borders during the Games.
  
  
• Watch Sophia Warner compete this summer
  Dorking born Paralympic hopeful Sophia Warner has announced her competition schedule for this summer. Find out where she will be and catch a preview of what you can expect from this runner who is tipped for gold next year.