Olympic VIP weighs up club

An Olympic chief visited Exmouth last week to see how Olympic legacy cash has helped disadvantaged young people.

Sir Keith Mills, founder of one of the UK’s leading London 2012 legacy organisations Sported, and deputy chairman of the organising committee (LOCOG) was on a whistle-stop tour of Devon and Cornwall to meet young people whose lives have been turned around by sport.

Sir Keith and Lady Mills joined councillors and young boxers to visit Lympstone Amateur Boxing Club at Sheppards Row in Exmouth.

The club has recently secured �48,000 of legacy cash and �9,000 from Sported for improvements works on the club, so it can open its doors to more young boxers.

Sir Keith said he felt incredibly proud to be part of an organisation that was helping such community groups to make a measurable difference to young people’s lives.

He said: “When I set up Sported almost four years ago, I had a vision to ensure that more young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds and communities, had access to sport and I am delighted that we have been able to help these amazing organisations.

“The project I have seen today is a shining example of how sport can have a positive impact on young people’s lives and their communities and I feel confident that this work will provide a lasting legacy of the London 2012 Olympic Games.”

Sir Keith’s first visit of the day was to the Lympstone Boxing Club, a club which specifically targets young people at risk of offending.

Secretary Neil Parsons, who founded the club said it was a huge honour to meet the LOCOG deputy chairman.

He said: “Thanks to Sir Keith’s vision we have been able to get the funding to expand our facilities which will mean that I can get 40-50 more young people off the streets and that will have such a positive impact on our community.

“It was just a great pleasure to meet Sir Keith and be able to share our specific needs and goals with him.”