News, October 2011

Guildford host events to celebrate the Olympics
Guildford Borough Council are planning an exciting programme of 'Landmark' events relating to the London 2012 Games and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. These events are set to get many people into the spirit of the Games. Guildford will be one of a number of boroughs to host the Olympic Cycling Road Race next year and will also be the final stop for the Olympic Torch Relay before it heads to London. Find out more through this BBC report.

USA Olympic cyclists to train in Surrey
As the USA cycling team prepares for the London 2012 Games, Surrey will be hosts to their training for both the Olympic Cycling Road Race and Time Trial. Both of these races will take place in Surrey next year. These American athletes will be among a number of the world's top athletes who will train in Surrey prior to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Nigerian international business links discussed
International trade links were discussed this week when Surrey County Council hosted a delegation of Nigerian business leaders. The African nation is keen to build on its relationship with Surrey on the back of a decision to train its Olympic and Paralympic athletes in the county during the 2012 Games.

Q&A with Surrey Athletes: Sam Lowe
Camberley Judo fighter Sam Lowe tells us about her joys of winning gold at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester. Ten years after her win Sam will be looking to achieve one further gold medal on home soil.

National Lottery Olympic Park Run
Here is your chance to be the first to cross the finish line at the Olympic Stadium in Stratford. Organised by the National Lottery, a five-mile run within the Olympic Park will take place on 31 March 2012. Find out how you can be involved.

London-Surrey Cycle Classic - survey closed
Surrey County Council would like to thank you for your feedback. We recently asked for your feedback on the London-Surrey Cycle Classic test event on 14 August 2011, this feedback will be reviewed in preparation for the Olympic Cycling events in Surrey in 2012. Find out more about Surrey being a host county for the London 2012 Games.

Sport Makers: your chance to be a sporting hero
British Olympic legend, Sir Steve Redgrave has joined forces with Sport England to launch Sport Makers, a programme for everyone who’d like to make sport happen for their friends, neighbours or colleagues.

Culture secretary praises Surrey’s Olympic progress
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Jeremy Hunt has has praised Surrey County Council for “blazing a trail” in its preparations for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Caribbean-style weather delights Olympic hopefuls
Dominican Olympic hopefuls began their training in Surrey last week, describing the unseasonable warmth as "just like it is" on the Caribbean island. The Dominican athletes are a number of potential Olympic and Paralympic champions who will be using Surrey's excellent training facilities ahead of London 2012.

London 2012 opens Young Games Maker volunteer applications
London 2012 is calling on young volunteers to help make the Games happen next summer. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for 16 to 18 year olds to apply and be part of the greatest show on earth.

Support your local athletes

• Sophia Warner's plans for London 2012
  After exceeding her expectations this season, Paralympic hopeful Sophia Warner feels that overcoming her nerves will be the biggest obstacle between now and the London 2012 Games. Here Sophia talks with local newspaper, Surrey Today, on her recent achievements and aspirations for the 2012 Paralympic Games.

• Alexandra Rickham nominated for World Sailor of the Year award
  Epsom resident and member of the Queen Mary Sailing Club, Alexandra Rickham has been nominated for the female ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Award. Alexandra received the nomination on the back of a highly successful year on the Paralympic circuit.

• Toby Penty leads the quarter-final charge in Turkey
  Walton Upon Thames badminton ace, Toby Penty is through to the quarterfinals of the Turkish Open in Antalya. Also through the last eight is fellow Surrey badminton player, Ben Beckman.

• Delight for men’s sitting volleyball team as they receive confirmation of host nation slot
  The men's sitting volleyball team have been awarded automatic qualification for London 2012 as the host nation. This is great news for Surrey athlete Ben Hall and the rest of his teammates as they have been working hard and impressing fans and selection panels in recent competitions.

• European bronze for GB Women’s wheelchair basketball team
  Despite losing in the semi finals against the Netherlands, the GB women's wheelchair basketball team have not come home empty handed. Chobham resident Helen Turner along with the rest of her teammates won bronze at the European Championships in Nazareth, Israel after seeing off France 60-47.

• Lauren Smith retires from competitive synchronised swimming
  Commonwealth bronze medallist Lauren Smith has announced her retirement from synchronised swimming. The Ash Vale resident is disappointed to miss competing at London 2012, but is now focussed on pursuing ambitions away from competing professionally.

• Sophia Warner in the news
  Paralympic hopeful Sophia Warner has featured in a number of news stories recently, some of which you can read below. The Dorking born runner has not only been raising the profile of herself as an athlete, but also her sport where she competes against other athletes with Cerebral Palsy.
• • Sophia Warner: The Unheard Voice Of Paralympic Sport
  • Belinda Carlisle (pictured with Sophia Warner) supports mothers
  • Warner on the right track