Olympic stars launch Newham Academy

Olympic medallists Tessa Sanderson, Sharron Davies and Amir Khan were amongst the elite athletes present at the launch of the Newham Sports Academy, which has selected its first 25 members from 500 hopefuls in the area.

The project was developed by Sanderson alongside Newham Council and involved an intensive process of scouting and assessments.

The aspiring young athletes will have free access to top coaching, sports psychologists and advice on nutrition as they go through intensive training over the next six years.

Tessa Sanderson CBE said: "We have found some seriously impressive young sports people and I cannot wait to start working with them.

"My ambition is to have as many young people from Newham competing in the 2012 Games as possible.

"After spending time in local schools and with young people in the borough, I am confident that we have the talent right here.

"Now that the Academy is up and running we will be able to give these young people everything they need to get to the very top and bring back some medals to the host borough!"

6 October 2006