The London 2016 LEN European Aquatics Championships has today officially launched its schools programme after an unprecedented and overwhelming response from children across the capital to watch the historic event in May.
The European Aquatics Championships are returning to London for the first time since 1938 in May and little less than four years after the stunning 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games inspired the nation.
Over 500 schools applied for 28,000 free tickets across the ten weekday morning sessions of the Championships, which will showcase the continent’s best synchronised swimmers, divers and swimmers.
A ballot has taken place to choose the lucky schools that will now attend the Championships at the London Aquatics Centre at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in May, with more than 170 from right across London successful.
In total over 10% of the total 51,000 tickets available across the Championships will be provided free of charge to schools to try and meet as much of the demand as possible while those who miss out will be given access to a special offer.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson MP, said: “The iconic London Aquatics Centre will be buzzing with excitement as the capital welcomes back Europe’s best swimmers, divers and synchronised swimmers for the first time since 2012.
“London continues to attract the biggest events in world sport, which is testament to the legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and it’s fantastic so many young Londoners will get to see top-class athletes first-hand.”
Tom Chambers, London 2016 LEN European Aquatics Championships CEO, said: “The response from schools across London to come and watch the European Aquatics Championships in May has been truly fantastic. With over 1,000 of Europe’s best athletes coming to London, we want the Championships to inspire children across London to take up an aquatics discipline and, with so much interest, we are sure they will. This demonstrates a clear legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We certainly wish we could accommodate everyone.”
The European Aquatics Championships run from May 9-22 and are the biggest event to be held at the iconic London Aquatics Centre since the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Laura Ings, PE Coordinator at Plumcroft Primary School in Plumstead, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to take our pupils to see swimming at the highest level. It will be a really inspirational day out and will hopefully show our children just what can be achieved when you have a passion for it and work hard. To be able to see such high quality sport live is rare and I know our pupils will really enjoy the day.”
Rob Elliott, PE Coordinator at Dersingham Primary School in Manor Park, said: “Dersingham Primary School is excited for the opportunity to watch elite sport in a world class arena situated in Newham. The school ticketing programme was easy to access and allowed us to choose from a variety of the different swimming disciplines on offer at session times that were convenient to us. Both our staff and children are looking forward to the European Aquatics Championships and are privileged to be a part of it.”
Michael Ford, PE Coordinator at The South Norwood Academy in Croydon, said: “Being able to watch world-class athletes competing competitively is a once in a lifetime opportunity and one that will hopefully inspire the children to achieving their potential. Many hope to be sports stars and so hopefully seeing them compete along with the atmosphere will give them a taste of what could happen if they work hard and never give up.”
David Benham, Year 1 Class Teacher at Christopher Hatton Primary School in Holborn, said: “The allocation of tickets is fantastic for our school. Giving our children the opportunity to participate in any way in top level sport is fundamental to building aspirations. Even just watching sport in a world class venue such as the London Aquatics Centre allows our children to experience the determination, dedication and success of athletes, hopefully inspiring them to aim high in the future. Plus it’s great fun!”
The London 2016 European Aquatics Championships will be delivered in partnership with British Swimming, London & Partners, London Legacy Development Corporation and the Mayor of London. The Championship is part of UK Sport’s National Lottery backed #EveryRoadtoRio campaign, helping Britain’s athletes prepare for the Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Swimming news courtesy of LEN European Aquatics Championships.