4 July 2012
Press release number: PR1808
Year seven and eight pupils from across three London boroughs
took part in a partnership project which aims to encourage cycling
to school leading up to and beyond the London 2012 Olympics.
A total of 11 schools from Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge and
Waltham Forest took part in a tournament funded by Transport for
London and supported by London Hardcourt Bike Polo Association. All
schools taking part have been able to do so through the School
Travel Plan Programme.
BMX Champion
The tournament, which was the first of its kind in the world
according to the London Hardcourt Bike Polo Association, took place
on Wednesday 27 June at Redbridge Sports and Leisure Centre and
awards were handed out by Mike Mullen, a former BMX World
Masterclass Champion.
Valentine's High School, Cranbrook Road, Ilford were the
tournament winners, with Wanstead High School, Redbridge Lane West,
Ilford in second place and The Palmer Catholic Academy, Aldborough
Road South, Seven Kings coming third (all Redbridge schools).
Bike Polo featured as a demonstration sport at the 1908 London
Olympic Games. It is now fast becoming a rapidly spreading urban
sport which has been granted the Inspire mark by the London 2012
Inspire Programme.
Helping young people
David Rowe, Head of Borough Projects and Programmes at Transport
for London said: “We are delighted to provide funding for such
projects through the Local Implementation Plan (LIP), to help young
people acquire important skills for life such as cycling. The
competition will equip the young Londoners with the know-how they
need to enjoy getting around using pedal power and encourage them
to be fit and healthy.
“With the London 2012 Games not so far away now, we are
encouraging everyone to consider alternative travel choices, such
as cycling, because public transport will be busier at certain
times in certain places. “
The Local Implementation Plan (LIP) is a process through which
TfL and the Mayor provides funding for hundreds of large and
small-scale transport projects to support the Mayor of London’s
Transport Strategy.
