UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL
Media release
Active opportunities for inner-city youngsters

Former Gloucestershire and England fast bowler David "Syd" Lawrence will join hundreds of inner-city youngsters tomorrow [Tuesday, September 24] at the start of a three-day, all-action sports coaching programme at Bristol University's Coombe Dingle Sports Complex.

The Active Opportunities programme will offer pupils from St George Community College, Fairfield High School, Whitefield Fishponds Community School and Bristol Gateway School the chance to try rugby, tennis, football and cricket with guidance from professional coaches.

Active Opportunities was successfully piloted in 2001. It is an initiative of Business in the Community's Race for Opportunity (SW) campaign, working alongside Bristol University, Connexions West of England, Bristol City Council and City of Bristol College.

Professional athletes and coaches from Bristol City and Bristol Rovers Football Clubs, Gloucestershire County Cricket Club and the Shoguns will all be on hand to help the youngsters get the most out of the experience. Peter Bendall, the University's Director of Tennis, will lead the tennis coaching.

Sponsored by Bristol & West and UNUM, Active Opportunities has also attracted voluntary support from a wide range of Bristol businesses and other local organisations.

Peaches Golding, who heads the Race for Opportunity campaign in the region, said: "Many young people from the inner city have limited access to sport, but we all know how rewarding it can be.

"We want to help young people discover their potential and find out how sport can unlock motivation and self-confidence that will stand them in good stead in every aspect of their lives."

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Email: public-relations@bristol.ac.uk
Copyright: 2002 The University of Bristol, UK
Updated: Monday, 23-Sep-2002 16:23:58 BST