US Olympic team visit Mile End Stadium as they choose Tower Hamlets as their base
Children in Tower Hamlets will be able to watch the US Olympic team train at Mile End Stadium for this summer’s Games as the team invest a six-figure sum in the venue.
Four times Olympic champion Teresa Edwards, who has retired from basketball and is now the team’s ‘chef de mission’ flew, in from the States this week, after it was announced that their track and field team will train at Mile End Park.
She was joined by gold medallist relay sprinter Jon Drummond and sprint hurdler Benita Fitzgerald-Mosley, who will be training at Mile End Stadium.
The pair spoke to more than 200 children, aged 11-14 from 30 Tower Hamlets secondary schools at Mile End Park Leisure Centre, on Tuesday.
During the event called ‘Win with Integrity’ they encouraged them to get involved in sport and highlighted the importance of leading an active healthy lifestyle.
Tickets will become available for school children during the Games to watch the athlete’s train at the stadium.
Ms Edwards and her team also took part in an official reception at Canada Square, hosted by the Canary Wharf Group and Tower Hamlets council, attended by Mayor Lutfur Rahman and other councillors.
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Ms Edwards, who visited the Olympic Park earlier in the day, said: “It was just beautiful. I can already see all the flags in there.
“This time I won’t be competing, so for the first time I’ll be able to enjoy all the sights and look forward to getting a low down on Tower Hamlets.”
Exactly how much the team is investing in Mile End Stadium is a tightly kept business secret, but the track, pole vault and high jump areas are being resurfaced and improvements made to the throwing cirles �—which will be left behind for the community.
Mayor Lutfur Rahman said: “It’s fantastic. Their investment into the stadium and commitment to engage with our young people will provide long lasting benefits.”
The US will have bases across London for different parts of their Olympic team, including at the University of East London campuses in Docklands and Stratford.
Langdon School is Poplar will be home to the Canadian Olympic team.
