9:20am Saturday 5th December 2009
By James Tourgout
YOUNGSTERS were going for gold when an Olympic multi-sports gym opened at Redlands in Weymouth.
They were the first to try out various exercise machines on the adiZone outdoor facility – which proudly bears the Olympic rings – at Weymouth Community Sport Hub on Dorchester Road.
Paralympic cyclist Darren Kenny, aged 39, handed out gold medals to the youngsters from local schools who attended the ceremony.
Dorset County Council leader Angus Campbell performed the honours with Weymouth College chairman of governors Tony Alford.
Coun Campbell said: “It went really well. The multi-gym is looking good and the children really enjoyed trying it out.
“It is nice to have the Olympic rings on display in Dorset.”
Sports giant Adidas designed and developed the open air fitness centre to inspire people to take up sport in times for the 2012 Olympics.
The free adiZone gym measures 625 square metres and features exercises machines as well facilities for basketball, football, a tennis area and a climbing wall.
It will be open 365 days of the year, free for all in the community and a permanent fixture at the sports centre.
Redlands Community Sports Hub secured funding from Weymouth College, Dorset County Council and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council for the new complex.
Adidas and the Department of Children Schools and Families were also contributors.
Cyclist Darren Kenny, from Verwood, has overcome his cerebral palsy to win 11 world titles at the paralympic world cycling championships and is aiming to take gold in 2012. Coun Campbell said: “It was fantastic to have him at the ceremony.
“He brought along gold medals for all of the children to wear.
“I take my hat off to him for overcoming difficulties and achieving so much.”
The adiZones were initially installed by Adidas, which is the sportswear partner of the London 2012 Olympics, in four of the London 2012 host boroughs, but are being introduced to towns and cities nationwide.
Councils hope that adiZone will form part of the Olympic legacy.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/trade_directory/