Council and democracy > Council news >
Council - news and information releases
Durham Leisure Backs Olympics Bid for City Teenager
Friday 20th June 2008
A 16 year old Water Polo fanatic is the first person to have earned free use of the brand new pool and state of the art Lifestyle Fitness facility at Freeman’s Quay.
For the next 4 years Vicky Vallance will be able to ensure she remains on top of her gruelling training regime whether she's at home in Bowburn or at the Sporting in Excellence Academy in Grantham.
Portfolio holder for Leisure and Culture Coun. Sue Pitts, 'Vicky is a great example. We are delighted to be able to support her and we welcome her to Freeman's Quay. We wish her every success in her trials for the 2012 games.'
Vicky trains for a staggering 6 hours a day while also studying for a B. Tech in sport development. A first year student, she travels back to her home in Bowburn at weekends and holidays. But not for a rest! Quite the opposite.
The point of all this work? To make it into the British 2012 Olympic Water Polo team. Vicky says she feels honoured and privileged by the free membership that Vicky says is crucial to her training.
'It's very important to keep training through the holidays because both your stamina and fitness drop quite quickly and being able to train will keep them both up.'
Understanding these vital needs in such a highly competitive field is what prompted Lifestyle Fitness, the firm behind the fit out of the 130 station gym at Freeman's Quay, to give Vicky her passport to train free.
Managing Director Gordon Hall, 'Vicky has earned this chance herself. It's our pleasure to help her in her Olympic bid wherever we can. What could give this dedicated youngster a better chance than a 4 year pass to the latest in gym and swim facilities in the country?'
With a day that starts at 5am there must be something special about water polo that keeps Vicky going?
'I love the team spirit and the competitive nature of the game,' says Vicky. 'It would make me feel proud to be able to represent my country and make water polo a more recognised sport.'
If you are wondering if Vicky has any indulgences, the answer if yes, well a bit. Her favourite food is pasta carbonara and chicken stir fry!