WITH the nation glued to their television screens watching Team GB’s success at the London 2012 Olympics unfold, Grantham Athletic Club is on a mission to ensure that the next generation of young athletes are ready to do themselves, and their country, proud in the future.
Formed in 1974, but with origins dating backat least 20 years earlier, the club has been supporting and encouraging athletes both young and old ever since. And some of its original members are still regularly in attendance on trai.
Despite being dedicated to serving the local community, with primary school leagues a regular feature in the club activities, previous and current members have seen great success further afield.
In his youth, police officer and regular club attendee Steve Ablitt competed at a national level alongside the now 10,000m Olympic champion Mo Farah.
And Vikki Hubbard, who trained with the club for several years before university, is currently ranked as Britain’s number two high jumper after Olympic heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis.
The club looks set for great things in the near future.
It is currently standing at the top of the table in the Northern League with several prominently placed bright young athletes across various competitions.
But club president Joyce Bundy is keen to point out that the club, which has around 200 members, is open to everyone with with a real emphasis on fun, getting people involved in sport and keeping fit.
She said: “Come along, have a go, and see if you enjoy it.”
For more information on the club, including how you could get involved, go to www.granthamac.com
Or simply head along to the weekly training, which takes place on Wednesday nights from 6pm at the South Kesteven Sports Stadium, in Trent Road, Grantham.