Eighteen of Gallica's aquatic athletes and coaches have been invited to take part in the British Olympic Association (BOA) ‘Britain’s Olympic Ambition 2012’ programme.
The programme, designed to enhance athlete medal success at the London 2012 Olympic Games by providing talented potential team members with an opportunity to experience the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, will see athletes from 33 disciplines spend seven days in Macau and Beijing during the 2008 Olympic Games. Whilst there, athletes will visit the Team GB preparation camp in Macau, the Olympic Village and the Athletes’ Lodge. They will also have a press conference fronted by their mentors, Olympians like Denise Lewis, Ed Coode and Alison Mowbray. In addition participants will be given the opportunity to watch two competition sessions for their specific discipline.
This programme’s focus is based around providing sports specific event exposure and to replicate, as closely as possible, an athlete’s overall Olympic experience.
Commenting on their involvement:
Simon Clegg, Team GB Chef de Mission for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games said:
“This programme is unique worldwide and is expected to provide a real competitive edge to the participants. With the BOA’s aspirational target to finish fourth in the overall medal table in 2012, and research showing that a significantly high percentage of medallists at any Olympic Games have attended previous Olympic Games, this experience can form a vital part of the athletes preparation for Olympic success.”
Gallica's Head Coach, Rob Greenwood, who is part of the initiative commented:
“ Being part of this programme is a fantastic opportunity for myself, but is a true reflection of the exceptional work the coaching staff, committee and our ever-supportive parents, have contributed over the past four years, which has allowed our swimmers to maximise their potential. This opportunity will give me the knowledge and experience to develop swimmmers and coaches skill sets towards podium success at the London 2012 Olympic Games.”
Find out more about the Olympic Ambition 2008-2012
Visit the Gallica website