By Tom Degun

June 18 - Stoke Mandeville Stadium, the home of the Paralympic Movement, is celebrating after Business Development Manager Ian Seabrook (pictured) was crowned Champion of the Year in the Hospitality Assured Awards.



The prestigious awards, which recognise efforts to constantly improve service and business in the hotel and leisure industry, saw Seabrook beat off competition from various other hospitality and leisure managers across the UK.

He was commended on his hard work and dedication as well as maintaining Stoke Mandeville Stadium’s enviable reputation as a world-class sporting facility and national home for disability sport.

Seabrook said: "It is a great honour to accept this award. 

"In two years time, the world will be looking to the UK as the two largest sporting events on Earth kick off and we will be welcoming visitors from all parts of the world.

"We have a massive opportunity to leave a positive legacy."

Stoke Mandeville Stadium has already signed three deals to have national teams prepare there ahead of the London 2012 Games with Papua New Guinea, Finland and Uganda all set to train at the famous venue.

Seabrook promised that they will have a memorable experience at the location where the seeds of the Paralympics were sown in 1948 when Sir Ludwig Guttman organised events for World War Two veterans with spinal cord injuries who were rehabilitating at the local hospital.

He said: "Hospitality Assured can give every part of the service industry a firm basis to ensure that each and every visitor leaves our shores with an experience that they will happily remember for the rest of their lives which is something that I’m positive Stoke Mandeville Stadium, WheelPower and Leisure Connection can consistently deliver."

Richard Millman, Leisure Connection’s chief executive, said: "This is a fantastic achievement for Ian and his team at Stoke Mandeville Stadium.

"The award is a clear example of Ian’s commitment and enthusiasm in ensuring that everyone enjoys a world class service when visiting the Stadium, whether they are a top athlete or regular gym-goer."

The award winners cover a cross section of the hospitality industry, from hotels and conference centre environments to leisure centres and facilities management providers.

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 Stoke Mandeville sign third deal for overseas country to train there