Newly elected MEP for Coventry, Dan Dalton and Coventry South Parliamentary candidate Gary Ridley, will be visiting Wasps RFC and Warwick Sports this Monday to discuss ways in which the two organisations can help to get young people involved in the community. Mr Dalton, a former county cricketer, passionately believes that sport has a key role in helping young people to develop self-confidence, to get more involved in the community and to live healthier lives.
Wasps RFC re-located to the Ricoh Arena in December, after purchasing the stadium, bringing Premiership Rugby to Coventry. Warwick sports, located at Warwick University campus, is home to a wealth of sporting facilities including 6 squash courts, a 25m swimming pool, an athletics track, a tennis centre and football, rugby and American football pitches. The venue also served as an Olympic training facility and played a key role in the International Children’s Games in 2005.
Commenting ahead of both visits Mr. Dalton said; “As a former professional cricketer I believe that sport has a key role to play in improving life chances for everyone but especially young people. With the UK hosting the Olympic Games three years ago it’s important that we build on that legacy to get more young people taking part in sports. It can help to get them more involved in the community giving them the opportunity to meet new people, develop new skills and become more confident with a healthier outlook."
Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Coventry South, Gary Ridley said; “On Monday, I will be bringing Mr Dalton to meet representatives from both Wasps RFC and Warwick Sports to discuss community involvement. There are first class facilities at Warwick Sports that have hosted the International Children’s Games and acted as an Olympic training venue and Wasps RFC really have got the city buzzing with excitement! Both organisations have a good track record of getting involved in the community and we are both extremely keen to hear their plans for the future.”