Linford and Darren quicken the pace
14 September 2007
Manchester is to host the grand final of the Street Athletics for the third year on Saturday September 15.
The national competition, staged by Nuff Respect has visited 12 venues this year and the youngsters competing have seen off thousands of sprinting hopefuls from all over the country.
The tension will be building on Saturday as athletes arrive to warm up and a host of entertainment will be provided for the crowds.
Former Blue singer Simon Webbe will perform in Albert Square at the event at around 12.45pm, before the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Glynn Evans opens the event at 1pm.
The competitors are now at the final hurdle with the winners going on to win a year's kit sponsorship deal with Reebok and mentoring with Linford Christie and Darren Campbell and encouraged and supported to join their local Athletics Club.
Linford said: "This is the biggest and best Street Athletics event ever and Darren and I are really impressed by the talent that we have uncovered on the streets and estates around the country. I'm confident that we are going to see some fierce competition in Albert Square in Manchester this Saturday".
Darren Campbell said: "I am so proud that Manchester is again the City that will be delivering the Street Athletics Final and that Reebok, Sport England and our other sponsors have continued to support this essential youth engagement programme. There is definitely a lot of talent out there which should make us all excited about 2012".
The heats will take place throughout the afternoon and the presentations will be made around 4pm.
Councillor Mike Kane executive member for arts and leisure at Manchester City Council, said: "We are delighted to host the grand final of the street athletics. This event is proving to be incredibly popular in Manchester and we have great sporting talent in the city. Manchester has fantastic facilities for people of all ages to train in and we want to encourage more and more people to get involved."
Media contact:
Margaret Blackburn, Tel: 0161 234 4014
