Residents First

Olympic countdown celebration

Local Hammersmith and Fulham residents enjoyed Games themed countdown sessions at Lillie Road Fitness Centre and Phoenix Fitness Centre and Janet Adegoke Swimming Pool on 23 and 24 July to mark the "1 Year To Go" point in the run up to the 2012 London Games.

The focal point was the provision of taster sessions to encourage all participants to participate in new activities and therefore create an interest in the regular sessions we hold at our centres. With more than 80 people aged between 4 and 70 taking part and having their chance to get into the spirit of the Games.

London 2011 Open Weekend enabled everyone to share in the excitement of the Games, be inspired to get involved, unleash their creativity and try something new by accessing excellence at events across sport, art and culture taking place over the weekend.

Paul Dodds, Centre Manager of Phoenix Fitness Centre and Janet Adegoke Swimming Pool explained "The Games are just around the corner and as Londoners we are going to have the chance of a lifetime to experience this historic event. As part of GLL, a charitable Social Enterprise and London’s largest leisure operator, we are committed to supporting sport at grass roots level and hope that these celebratory events will provide real inspiration to budding sportsmen and women in the borough. "

GLL and Hammersmith and Fulham are supporting milestone events leading to the Games to maximize the opportunity for all our local communities to get involved and benefit from this once in a life time historic event.

Youth Games success

Hammersmith & Fulham boys' team came third in the disability football competition at the London Youth Games at Regent's Park last week.

The  team fought their way through their qualifying group and play-offs in a competition which brought together the best young disabled footballers from all over the city to represent their borough teams.

The H&F team topped their group, beat Bromley 3-0 in the quarter-finals but lost 2-1 to eventual winners Newham in the semi-finals.

Hammersmith & Fulham Team Manager Tony Dunseath said:

"I'm ecstatic. The team did really well, they enjoyed themselves a lot and it showed in their playing. There's a lot of potential in the team.

"Most of the team is made up from years 7 and 8, so they have still got another couple of years left in the London Youth Games, so they should be even better for next year's tournament.

"We didn't let a goal in all day, until the penalty shoot-out, which we lost. It's frustrating to lose on a penalty shoot-out, but it's part of the game."

Cllr Greg Smith, cabinet member for residents' services, said:

"Congratulations to the team on such a fantastic performance. This borough has an excellent track record when it comes to the London Youth Games and we are very proud of all our young sportstars.  I look forward to victory in the competition next year!"

The London Youth Games is Europe's largest annual youth sports event. Last year over 64,000 participants aged 7-18 from 33 London borough teams took part in 60 competitions across 30 sports.

The 2011 season covers 26 competition days through to finals weekend at the National Sports Centre, Crystal Palace on July 2/3. For more information on how to participate or volunteer at the London Youth
Games, see www.londonyouthgames.org

QPR joy

Queens Park Rangers’ promotion to football’s top flight means that Hammersmith & Fulham will be the only borough to be represented by three clubs in next season’s Premier League.

H&F is one of the smallest borough’s in the country, but Rangers will now be doing battle alongside Chelsea and Fulham in the 2011-2012 competition.

The council has calculated that Shepherds Bush businesses will benefit from a £700,000 a year cash windfall as a result of QPR’s promotion.

Cllr Stephen Greenhalgh, H&F Council Leader, said:

“I would like to congratulate everyone associated with Queens Park Rangers on their fantastic promotion. The team has played some magnificent football this season and are truly worthy of a place at football’s top table. Their promotion is a fantastic boost for Shepherds Bush and I wish the club and its fans the very best of luck for next season’s Premiership campaign.

“This borough is only four-and-a-half miles and it is incredible to think that we shall be represented by three teams next season.”