University Sports Scientists Support Kent Young Athletes
Sports scientists from the University of Greenwich at Medway have pledged their full support to a county scheme, headed by double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes, designed to develop competitive athletes in Kent – FANS (Free Access for National Sports People).
Paul Smith, senior lecturer and an accredited sports physiologist, and Mark Chapman, lead technician and an accredited strength and conditioning coach, joined FANS patron Dame Kelly in Dartford on Thursday (December 7).
The FANS initiative, which now has 1,000 members, is organised by Kent County Council Sports Development Unit. It supports athletes of all ages across the region and works in partnership with local authorities and other organisations to provide free access, where possible, to appropriate sports training facilities and expert knowledge.
More than 300 national level performers have already benefited from the additional training provision.
Mr Smith and Mr Chapman presented Dame Kelly and FANS members with an overview of the facilities and expertise now available to sports people at the University of Greenwich at Medway.
Mr Smith said: “We are delighted to be associated with the FANS initiative.
“The University of Greenwich works with a number of national squads, including the UK disabled handcycling team. And we are committed to supporting as many developing sports people as possible.
“For example, we are the only university in Kent supporting the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS).
“Within TASS we have an ongoing programme of Sport Science workshops focusing on such key topics as sports psychology, time management and nutrition, which can significantly improve performance at all levels.
“Participating athletes can also be introduced to our Sports Science Services that are supported by our state-of-the-art facilities, equipment and expertise.”
“Through our Sport Science Support services we aim to improve athletes’ knowledge and understanding of sporting techniques, specific training methods, general dietary requirements, goal setting as well as preparation for and recovery from competition.”
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Caption: Eight-year-old golfer Rose Daly, of Broadstairs, receives a special certificate from Dame Kelly Holmes to celebrate becoming the 1000th member of the Kent FANS initiative
For further media information, broadcast, photographic and interview opportunities, please contact:
- University of Greenwich at Medway Public Relations, tel: 020 8331 9420
Delphine Houlton, Andrew Metcalf or Jez Durrant, at Maxim, tel: 01892 513033