Local Medal Hope Joins Councillors on Fact Finding Tour

Published on 5 August 2010

Almost exactly two years to go to the opening ceremony of London 2012, Paralympic Swimmer Emma Hollis of Theydon Bois joined Epping Forest District Councillors on a visit to the Olympic Park in Stratford and the Lee Valley White Water Canoe Centre near Waltham Abbey.

Having seen the progress being made at the main Olympic venue, the Councillors returned via Waltham Abbey and the White Water Canoe Centre where Ashley Bartlett of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority updated them on the latest stage of construction. The Centre is expected to attract up to 70,000 visitors a year and will be the first new purpose built venue to open to the public before the Games.

Picture caption - Councillor Brian Rolfe, Ashley Bartlett of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, Paralympic Swimmer Emma Hollis and Councillor Ken Angold-Stephens at the White Water Canoe Centre in Waltham Abbey

Councillor Brian Rolfe, Leisure and Wellbeing Portfolio Holder for Epping Forest District Council said: "For many residents 2012 will really present a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness the Olympic Games. Stratford is only a short journey from our District while the White Water Canoe Centre is on the border with Waltham Abbey, as close as it could be without actually being in the District. The construction work is truly impressive at the Centre and breathtaking at Stratford."

He continued: "London 2012 is un unrivalled opportunity. It would be fantastic to see Emma compete at the remarkable Swimming complex. Although few of us will measure up to her standard, there will be lots of other opportunities to be involved, working as volunteers, taking advantage of the huge business opportunities or just coming to watch the spectacle. Two years is a short time and we can hardly wait!"

Councillor Rolfe added: "I would also like to thank Kirsty McCudden and Hazel Peacock at the Olympic Delivery Authority for making our trip so useful and enjoyable."

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