2012 Paralympians Could Be Heading for Folkestone

Elite athletes could be heading to Folkestone to train ahead of the 2012 Paralympic Games after Pent Valley Leisure Centre was named as one of eight possible training sites in Kent.

The venues were chosen by the British Paralympic Association for the official brochure promoting facilities for disabled sports people from around the world. The sites had to meet strict criteria to be selected including access, nearby accommodation and links to London.

The others are Dartford Judo Centre, The University of Kent at Canterbury, Stour Leisure Centre in Ashford, Sevenoaks School, Canterbury High School, Polo Farm Sports Club in Canterbury and Medway Park in Gillingham.

The British Paralympic Association made its decision after a list of possible venues was submitted by Kent County Council as part of the Kent Campaign for the 2012 Games to generate long-term benefits to the county.

Councillor for Morehall (where the Pent Valley Leisure Centre is based) Tom McNeice was delighted with the news. He said:

"We'd be delighted to welcome the 2012 Paralympians here from across the world. The Paralympics are an increasingly important part of the Olympic Games as a whole, and Morehall & Folkestone would be proud to host teams for their training."