Here you will find out more about we are doing as well as keeping you up to date with the latest progress of some of our Academy members. The Academy members come from a wide range of sports and all show great promise in their field.

Wining the bid for the London 2012 Games is the best thing that has happened to sport in this country and I want them to be the best thing that has happened to sport in Newham too.

That is why I set up Newham Sports Academy in 2006 with the support of Newham Council to discover and develop the sports talent that I know exists in the area.

I have competed in a record six consecutive Olympic games between 1976 and 1996. I won the gold medal for throwing the javelin in the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles so I know what it is like to fulfil my sporting dreams.

We are giving young people the opportunities to find their true potential through their chosen sport regardless of background or disability. We are delivering on the promise to create a world-class sporting nation.

With the expertise of a band of top class coaches, we have uncovered some promising stars. I believe that some of these have the potential to compete in the London 2012 Games on home ground.

That is why I want to share my excitement about this unique scheme and the progress of these young people who are doing themselves, and their neighbourhood, proud.

I look forward to sharing our Academy experiences and aspirations with you, whilst helping to unlock sporting talent and show the fun and healthy lifestyle that taking up a sport can offer. BE PART OF IT