OLYMPIC gold medallist Duncan Goodhew caused quite a splash in Basildon as he threw his weight behind plans to build a multimillion-pound sports centre.
The swimming champion declared his wholehearted support for the town's bid to build an Olympic-size swimming pool and centre of sporting excellence in Gloucester Park by 2008. If successful, the three-acre centre would offer top-notch sports facilities and perhaps provide training prospects for athletes involved in the 2012 London Olympics.
Mr Goodhew, who is president of the Swimathon Foundation charity, described the new complex as a "fantastic vision for Basildon".
He said: "Plans like these are about believing in the future of the community and investing in young people and the health and fitness of the population.
"Improvements to sport facilities are greatly needed and crucial for our participation in the 2012 Olympics."
Published Wednesday, November 23, 2005
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