Kriss Akabusi MBE will visit Bath next month to help B&NES Council and NHS B&NES inspire local people to celebrate the 2012 Olympics with their own sporting and cultural events.
Kriss – a three-time Olympic medallist and World, European and Commonwealth Champion – will draw upon his own experiences at the Olympics to inspire others with the keynote speech at a special conference held in the Assembly Rooms, Bath, on Tuesday 7 February.
The event is being staged by Bath & North East Somerset Council, in partnership with NHS B&NES, to encourage communities to get involved in a range of legacy plans for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, both sporting and cultural. Those attending include members of local sports clubs, special schools, sporting organisations, local businesses and voluntary bodies.
Councillor Paul Crossley (Lib-Dem, Southdown), who will be speaking at the conference as Leader of Council and Member Champion for the Olympics and Paralympics, said: “By working together, we can engage and inspire all generations and communities covered by Bath & North East Somerset Council to participate in sporting and cultural activities which celebrate the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, and to feel part of something special.
“We are delighted to welcome Kriss Akabusi MBE as our keynote speaker. With the Olympic Torch passing through Bath on 22 May, this is a fantastic opportunity to encourage and support our community to challenge themselves to be the best that they can be.”
In addition, Paralympic swimmer, Kate Grey, who trains at the University of Bath, will be sharing her experiences of Paralympic competition. She will explain why disability sport is important; what and who inspires her and her ambitions for London 2012.
Dr Pamela Akerman, Director of Public Health, NHS B@NES, added: “Being active is one of the best things we can do to live a healthy life. Elite athletes can inspire people and change lives, especially young people, and for me a lasting legacy of London 2012 would be more people participating in sport and being more physically active. This would have a profound effect on the nation’s health and wellbeing.“
