News, May 2011

Paralympic hopeful inspires disability artist at the DAiSY launch event in Ewell
On 20 May Disability Arts in Surrey (DAiSY) was officially launched. To mark the event a launch ceremony was staged at Bourne Hall in Ewell. In addition to witnessing a variety of impressive arts performances, artists from across the county were inspired by a motivational presentation from Paralympic sitting volleyball hopeful, Andrew Skinner.

Guildford to welcome the Olympic Flame
As Olympic and Paralympic fever hits Britain in the summer of 2012, the Olympic Torch will be making it's way around various locations across the country. The torch will be arriving in Guildford on 20 July 2012 before making it's way to London as part of the 70-day London Olympics torch relay. This will be an exciting opportunity for residents and visitors of Surrey to embrace and celebrate the spirit of London 2012.

'Get Set' education network news
The 'Get Set' network provides a huge variety of opportunities, resources and ideas for schools about how they can get involved in the 2012 Olympics. Here is an explanation of the 'Get Set' network, along with information about how schools can sign up and examples of some of the exciting projects some of our 'Get Set' member schools have already started.

Nathan Burns takes gold at British Judo Open
After finishing as runner-up in last year's competition, Camberley Judo fighter Nathan Burns secured a gold medal win after downing rival Lewis Keeble. Here Nathan provides an insight to his joys of claiming gold in an interview with Eurosport.

Surrey canoeing stars to compete in World Cup competitions
After the success of the Kayak World Cup competitions last year, Surrey's Olympic hopefuls will be looking to achieve further medals at the World Cup competitions this month. Six athletes from the county will be competing at the competitions in Račice, Czech Republic and Duisburg, Germany. Find out more and how you can keep up to date on their progress.

Rebecca Romero refuses to give up on London 2012 Games
After it was revealed that individual pursuit cycling event was not be included in the London 2012 Olympic Games, Surrey born cyclist Rebeccca Romero was naturally disappointed as she would not be able to repeat her gold medal win in the sport from the 2008 Olympic Games. Despite this, she still has her sights set on London 2012 through the team pursuit competition. She provides an insight on her plans in an interview with The Telegraph newspaper.

Our Sporting Life update
Surrey's rich sporting history will be explored through a number of schemes throughout 2011. From costumed re-enactments of past glories to historical exhibition detailing interesting facts about sports in Surrey. View the events programme for May and June and find out more about the sporting heritage in your area.

Young Volunteers Make a Splash in Camberley
After applying volunteering skills are various sports related events in Surrey over the past year, three young volunteers organised their own fundraising event for Sports Relief. In total they raised £517.50 (exceeding their £250 target) in a sponsored swimathon in Camberley.

Q&A with Surrey athletes: Toby Penty
Up and coming badminton star Toby Penty informs us of how he was introduced to the sport through his father and what the Olympic and Paralympic Games mean to him. Toby also provides an insight to the benefits of competing in the P&G Surrey Youth Games.

Surrey Synchro Swimmers looking for success this summer
With one year to go until performing in front of a home crowd at the London 2012 Games, Surrey's synchronized swimmers are set to fine tune their skills at the European and World Championship competitions this month. On 20 May they will be performing at the LEN European Champions Cup in Sheffield and will be hoping to perform well against Italian and Russian rivals.

Surbiton and Team GB hockey ace interview with the Telegraph
Virginia Water resident and member of the Surbiton and Team GB hockey squads James Tindall has given an interesting insight in his training for London 2012. Through an interview with the Telegraph newspaper, James Tindall answers interesting questions on past victories and his personal life.

Startrack athletics coaching camp open across Surrey
Throughout the county children from the ages of 8 to 15 will have the opportunity to take part in the Aviva Startrack scheme. Hosted by UK Athletics, a large number of children will be introduced to the benefits of the many athletics disciplines through dedicated coaching. Find out how you or your children can be involved.

Register to be part of the 2011 Open Weekend
This July, Surrey, along with the rest of Britain, will 'open up' to mark the one year countdown to the greatest show on earth. From festivals to theatre performances, a number of cultural events and schemes are expected to take place across Surrey for the 2011 Open Weekend. Registrations will need to be completed by 27 June 2011, register now and be part of the London 2012 Games.