Braintree centre hoping 2008 decision points to 2012

UNEX Towerlands (pictured), in Braintree, has been chosen by the British Equestrian Federation as the quarantine and training camp for the show jump team prior to flying out to this summer's Olympics - a decision it believes shows that it will be in demand in the build-up to the 2012 Games.

The United States equestrian team have also confirmed that they to will be using UNEX Towerlands this summer as a quarantine camp for their horses after the Olympics, prior to flying back to America.

The equestrian events for this year's Olympics are being held in Hong Kong because of quarantine regulations.

Michele Thornton, the general manager of UNEX Towerlands, said: "We are already in the official London 2012 Pre- Games Training Camps Guide and to already have two Olympic teams utilising our facilities is great news, not just for us but for the local area.

"It really does prove that UNEX Towerlands has the resources and expertise to host athletes and horses at the very peak of their careers and the experience we gain being a quarantine and training camp over the Beijing Olympic period will put us in good stead to host any nation wishing to utilise truly top class equestrian facilities in 2012."

Coe praise for Welsh sailing club

SEBASTIAN COE, the chairman of London 2012, has visited Pwllheli Sailing Club which will feature in the Pre-Games Training Camp Guide.

He said: " It gives me great pleasure to visit Pwllheli Sailing Club's superb facilities and meet local youngsters with such commitment to sailing."

Bob Lowe, events committee chairman, explained the club's capabilities to host world-class sailing events.

He said: "We were delighted to welcome Sebastian Coe to Pwllheli to see our facilities and the UK National Championship for 35 competitors taking part in the International Contender Class. I explained to him about the contribution that sailing makes to the Llyn Peninsula and the opportunities for young people to get involved in the sport."

Gwynedd Council strategic director for development, Iwan Trefor Jones said, "The fact that Pwllheli has been granted Pre-Games Training status by the 2012 Olympic Games organisers further consolidates the town's status as a world class competitive sailing venue and ensures that Pwllheli will be exposed to a new word-wide audience.

"Gwynedd Council has been working in partnership with Pwllheli Sailing Club to deliver improved new sailing facilities to match Pwllheli's unrivalled natural sailing environment.

"This project will ensure that Pwllheli continues to be in a position to compete with the very best European sailing venues, that the overall spend by visiting competitors in our local economy increases, and that local young people can make the most of the unique economic and leisure opportunities Pwllheli has to offer.

Olympic lift for construction firm

A CONSTRUCTION firm in Bournemouth has won a £5 million contract thanks to the 2012 Olympics and is investing over £2 million in construction plant at a time when the construction industry is reporting a slowdown.

Raymond Brown Construction, part of the Raymond Brown Group, which has its head office in Ringwood, was awarded the contract to control and operate Dean & Reddyhoff's Portland marina, worth £5.3 million.

The new 560-berth marina at Portland is the venue for the sailing events of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Raymond Brown Construction is currently building a 350-tonne boatlift at the marina.

Raymond Brown Construction to invest £2.3 million in new equipment which includes two skip lorries and 50 skips worth some £300,000.

Plant director for Raymond Brown Construction Mark Isaac explained the benefits of investing in such machinery.

He said: "It removes the need to bring in third party contractors and keeps the management and delivery of projects under the Raymond Brown umbrella - an approach which has proved extremely successful for us over the years.

"It is quite unusual for a contractor to have such a large selection of machinery but for us, it means we can offer our clients the best possible service using our own teams and our own machinery.

Jackson sees youngsters in action at Herts Youth Games

FORMER world 110 metres hurldes record holder Colin Jackson was just one of the sporting stars at Hertfordshire's biggest annual event for young athletes.

The Welshman was present at another successful Herts Youth Games competition at the University of Hertfordshire.

Around 2,000 youngsters took part in 12 different sports.

Those sports included basketball, indoor bowls, football, hockey, badminton and netball, with all 10 districts of the county taking part.

As well asJackson, Olympic rower Alison Mowbray was in attendance at the sporting showcase, as was England women's cricket captain Charlotte Edwards.

Event co-ordinator Annie Thomas said: "It was a fantastic weekend from start to finish.

"It was a pleasure to see so many youngsters playing competitive sport in such great surroundings."

If you have any news for Regional Round-Up contact [email protected].