CYCLING: Team Millwall, made up of programme editor Billy Taylor and photographer Brian Tonks, successfully completed the London to Amsterdam cycle challenge over the weekend - raising over £2,500 for Prostate Cancer UK in the process.
Alongside 160 other cyclists made up mostly of staff members at other Football League clubs, the pair set off from Leyton Orient's Matchroom Stadium at 7.30am last Friday before arriving at Ajax’s Amsterdam Arena 150 miles away the following afternoon.
“It was a pleasure for Brian and I to represent Millwall over what was a memorable weekend,” Taylor told millwallfc.co.uk.
“Physically it was tough at times, as you would expect, but the event was extremely well organised by Prostate Cancer UK and I would urge anybody thinking of taking part in 2015 not to hesitate in signing up.
“We can’t thank those who have taken the time to sponsor us enough and we’re both delighted to have done our little bit in raising some money for what is an incredible charity.”
If you are keen to do so, there is still time to donate and increase the pair's collective total.
Visit Taylor’s donation page here and Tonks’ here.
SITTING VOLLEYBALL: More than140 children from schools in Dartford got first competitive experience of the Paralympic sport on Tuesday.
The Dart-for-d Games Legacy Programme hosted its inaugural Sitting Volleyball festival at the David Lloyd Leisure in Dartford, as part of the Kent INSPIRE programme.
London 2012 Paralympian and Team GB women’s sitting volleyball captain Claire Harvey and Battleback player and Invictus Games hopeful Kushal Limbu visited the children during the festival to give that all-important role model inspirational touch.
Kent INSPIRE lead teacher for Dartford Sarah Rye said “It has been amazing to see how enthusiastic the children have been to learn and play the sport of sitting volleyball.
“The sport ensures equality is at the heart of each game and allows the children to demonstrate the Paralympic values throughout.”
SWIMMING: Orpington Ojays’ junior team stormed to victory on Saturday, stealing the Maritime Shield from home club Sevenoaks.
Members from both clubs swam well but it was the young guns from Ojays that had the edge, securing 25 first place finishes.
Orpington Ojays run a learn to swim school and summer courses.
Email enquiries@orpingtonojays.com for more information.
THAMES RACE: Greenwich will be starting point for the 39th annual running of the historic Thames barge driving race on June 28.
Competitors battle it out over the seven-mile course to Westminster Bridge with each barge manned under oars, powered by crews of Freemen and Apprentices of the Company of Watermen and Lightermen.
The race strarts at noon and for more information, visit thamesbargedriving.co.uk
MARTIAL ARTS: Both adult and junior members of Erith’s Nemesis Gym have enjoyed recent triumphs at a number of national and international martial arts competitions.
Three represented England in Muay Thai at the International Sports Kickboxing Amateur (ISKA) world championships in Spain.
Conor Stewart, 21, seized gold in the senior category, while Darren Leston, 28, took silver in the K1 senior category and Mohammad Dieng, 15, bagged double gold in the cadet event and kickboxing cadet category.
Megan Pearce, 10, and nine-year-old Ryan Jack have recently taken the English ISKA titles.
Team Nemesis then enjoyed further success at the British BJJ Open (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) in Chelmsford, with six competitors bringing home a total of one gold, three silver and one bronze medals.
Thomas Paull, 19, has only been training for eight months but still competed in Fusion (mixed martial arts) and won by knockout in the first round.
Nemesis boxing trainer Jimmy Haughney, 35, competed in a charity fight as a tribute to Drummer Lee Rigby and raised £1,197 for Help for Heroes.
For more information on Nemesis Gym and Martial Arts Academy, which is based at Erith Riverside Shopping Centre, visit nemesisfitnessgym.com
TENNIS: A pair of tennis clubs in the News Shopper area are set to host open days at the end of this month.
Meopham TC are keen to get parents and children to attend their free session on June 29, with reduced membership on offer if you join the club on the day.
Located on the A227 Wrotham Road just behind the village hall, equipment will be provided and a qualified coach will be on hand to pass on tips.
For more information, call Trixie Leyshon 01732 824145.
Meanwhile, Wickham Park TCwill be hosting a similar initiative between noon and 3pm over two days on June 28 and 29.
Manager Rob Sheath explains: “The club is offering one free lesson for juniors aged between four and 17 and also one free lesson for adults.
“In addition to this, anyone that turns up on the day can claim a special 20 percent discount on their membership.
“My qualified team of coaches and I will help you with your game, whether you are a complete beginner or you just want to brush up your skills.”
Wickham Park TC is located at 228-230 Pickhurst Rise, West Wickham.
For more information, call Rob on 07956 231870.
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