‘HOPS’, SKIP, JUMP TO A CELEBRATION OF RIO WITH JONATHAN EDWARDS
FORMER OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST TRIPLE-JUMPER OFFERS TO MENTOR TALENTED ATHLETES
Talented athletes from across England have come together to toast the incredible medals haul at the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games at a special celebration evening.
Olympic gold medalist and world record holder Jonathan Edwards CBE discussed his experiences of being a student athlete, later interviewing a selection of TASS athletes about their own career paths.
The inspirational triple-jumper even offered up his expertise to all current athletes on the Scheme with mentoring and support opportunities.
The celebration event held at Wylam Brewery, Newcastle was hosted by legendary sports commentator Roger Tames and sponsored by leading North East Law firm for businesses Muckle LLP.
A total of 98 TASS alumni competed at the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games with an incredible total 62 TASS supported athletes winning medals.
Guy Taylor, TASS Director, said, “Newcastle is the headquarters of TASS and we wanted to bring together athletes, sports organisations and supporters from the region’s businesses to celebrate the incredible success of our athletes at Rio 2016.
“I would like to personally thank Jonathan Edwards for his continued support and mentoring of all our TASS athletes. His ambassadorial role for TASS is helping to inspire the next generation of sporting talent and promoting that with the right balance of sport and education there can be a winning formula.”
Jonathan Edwards, said, “The medals haul in Rio by TASS alumni is true testament to everything that TASS stands for and all the great work they are doing across the UK to develop sporting talent.
“Talented young athletes should be encouraged to combine their studies with elite sport and I know as well as anyone just how difficult that can be.
“The support network available to the TASS scholars certainly helps to combine sporting potential with studies and enjoy the rewards that both can bring.” he added.
John Devine, Head of Muckle Sports Team, said,” We are delighted to sponsor this exclusive gathering and celebration of our Olympic success in Rio 2016. Muckle is a keen supporter of grass-roots sport and TASS is a great example of how young people across England can juggle the demands of full-time education and elite sport.”
TASS athletes who attended the celebration event included individuals and teams from Triathlon, Weightlifting, Canoeing, Rowing, Super League Netball, Volleyball, Water Polo, Football and Basketball.