main content Bromley Volunteers try for Olympics

Bromley volunteers hoping to help out at London 2012 celebrated the completion of their first training programme with Olympic sculls champion Alison Mowbray last week. Having completed the Pre-Volunteer Programme run by Bromley College of Further and Higher Education and local charitable leisure trust Bromley Mytime, the volunteers are now guaranteed an interview for the big event, and have already met Seb Coe at Wembley.

The gala evening at High Elms Golf Course also showcased the talents of Mytime staff and work experience placements in gaining new skills and qualifications to further their careers. Many programmes have been uniquely designed and delivered through partnership work with Bromley College including a Chartered Management Institute Introductory Management Diploma, and many other training courses.

Steve Price, Bromley Mytime’s Chief Executive said, “As a local leisure provider that aims to provide excellent service we are always looking for enthusiastic and outgoing people to help our customers. 2012 is an opportunity for people who are considering a career in sport and leisure, but we need to ensure that new recruits have the skills and practical experience to benefit from the new opportunities. We need a healthy turnover of committed and skilled local people forming the core of our workforce.”

Rosemary Lacovara from Bromley College said, “We’re committed to playing a proactive role in equipping local people to benefit from the anticipated growth in health and leisure. We now have a strong partnership with Mytime, and are delighted to celebrate many of our successes where we’ve combined using our expertise in developing skills with their needs as a local employer.”

ENDS

Editors’ Notes

• Alison Mowbray - a sporting disaster area at school and having not even stepped in a boat until she went to Liverpool University at the age of 18, Alison then kept rowing on the back burner for many years while she pursued an academic career. Having achieved a PhD in Genetic Engineering from Cambridge University in 1997 at the age of 26 she moved to London to attempt National selection. Alison achieved last minute qualification for the Sydney Olympics where she finished 10th in the single sculls event. It was not until then, at the age of 29, that an Olympic medal seemed even a possibility. The story of the next four years is one of dedication, teamwork and personal leadership. In Athens in August 2004 Alison rowed the race of her life and came home with an Olympic Silver Medal. Having achieved her own dream Alison now works to help and motivate others.

• Bromley Mytime is a charitable leisure trust that manages selected leisure services for Bromley Council. Mytime employs over 300 full and part time staff and a further 700 temporary and sessional coaching staff.

• Bromley College of Further and Higher Education is committed to providing skills and qualifications for working life. In addition to running its varied curriculum, it is an accredited training provider for a wide range of courses designated for the leisure industry including health and safety, hospitality, catering and customer services.