Trust on Olympic medallist for success

5:11pm Wednesday 31st October 2007

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Olympic medallist and canoeist Campbell Walsh made a special appearance to unveil the newly-renovated Brentford Community Boating Club.

The much-needed facelift included painting, electrical work and racks for boat storage inside Kew Bridge, where the club is based.

Funding was provided by St George West London and a £5,000 community grant from B&Q's You Can Do It Awards Scheme.

This has enabled the Brentford FC Community Sports Trust to launch a kayaking project for all ages and abilities at the boating club.

The charitable trust, which was launched in October 2005, offers an array of sports including football, cricket, rugby, tennis and kayaking to more than 50 housing estates and 60 schools across Hounslow, Richmond, Twickenham and Ealing.

It aims to contribute to the physical and emotional development of young people using sport and role models as a positive influence.

Campbell, winner of the silver medal for slalom canoe at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, met the young people who will benefit from the renovated facilties and coached them on how to improve their paddling techniques.

He said: "I've really enjoyed visiting Brentford FC Community Sports Trust today. It's been great to see how B&Q's You Can Do It scheme has made a difference to the facilties available to the local community.

"I've really enjoyed coaching the young people and sharing my Olympic experiences with them. Who knows, one day they could be aiming for Olympic Games themselves."

Ian Dobie, managing director of St George West London and chair of trustees for Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, said: "We are delighted to reveal the make-up today and welcome Campbell to the new facilties.

"The trust's strategy is based around increasing sports participation through partnership and this project is an excellent example of the public, private and voluntary sector working together to create community sports opportunities using local natural resources."