Blogs
Fri, 26 Nov 2010
A university opening
By Sarah Storey - Horizon Fitness Racing Team
It’s been a hectic time in training, with the team pursuit squad work in full swing and although cold, plenty of dry days for getting the miles in on the road. As December approaches, the talk of team camps in January are now on the radar, so there’s plenty to keep the legs turning in earnest.
As I have said in previous blogs, it is always good to get out into the real world between the rigours and regiment of training, and last Friday was one such occasion for Barney and I as we headed to Crewe for a special building opening.
In 2003 I received an Honorary MSc from Manchester Metropolitan University and then in 2009, both Barney and I received Honorary Doctorates. Although I didn’t attend the University for my undergraduate studies, for more than 10 years I have had close links with some of the lecturers there and have also used some of the facilities of the Uni when I was Head Coach of the North West Disability Swim Squad.
As many people know, MMU is a thriving University, formerly based on several sites around Manchester and into Cheshire. Recently however, they have developed their All Saints City Centre campus and Crewe based Cheshire Campus, and the University is now based on just those 2 sites.
Being a graduate of Sports Science myself, my connection with the University is mainly through the Sports Science department, and so last week when Barney and I were invited to the official opening of the new Sports Science building in Crewe, I was very excited.
MMU Cheshire, as the Crewe Campus is called was formerly split over two sites, with much of the sports science department in Alsager. With this campus now gone, the Sports Science faculty has an impressive new building to call home in Crewe. With Barney being a Building Engineer, he was fascinated to look at its construction, and impressed by both the quality and the design of the build.
With everything a sport science department could ever need for research, the new building houses some world class facilities, and will be an exciting place to study or utilise as a local athlete in training or requiring additional sports science support. Everything from a chamber that can be used for heat, cold or altitude training, to a physio suite and adjacent rehab facility equipped with the most up-to-date machinery for addressing sports injuries. The new building really does have it all, and it was an honour to be shown round. The University is also keen for the facility to be enjoyed by local people as well as students, and with gym memberships available as well as support for health through GP referral, there is plenty for everyone at the new place.
We visited a suite of rooms that is being used for all kinds of diagnostics, be it the facial guards for rehab following a facial fracture, or measuring and identifying the neurological balance of muscles during different types of contractions. It was a fascinating tour which we were honoured to take alongside Sir Bobby Charlton, himself an Honour of the University.
During the formal part of proceedings we heard from the senior management responsible for the inception, development and overall finish of the building. It was fascinating to listen to their own accounts of what the facility would provide to such a well established and already highly popular institution, and there is little doubt they will continue to go from strength to strength.
Sir Bobby Charlton also spoke, sharing his passion for sport and his support for the university; it was amazing to listen to his stories and the humorous things that had happened to him as a footballer.
Following on from the official unveiling of the plaque, there was time for a quick bite to eat and then the 'Mini Olympics' kicked off in the new sports hall. Students from all years at the University had been working in local primary schools on a voluntary basis, and these schools had been invited to take part in the afternoon of sport to mark the opening of the new building.
Barney and I were lucky to be able to stay for the whole day, and we were impressed and exhausted watching the unwavering energy displayed by the young people taking part. Team building activities were mixed in with the sporting activities and it was brilliant to see the camaraderie and team spirit between each school.
By the late afternoon, the local radio station had arrived to broadcast live from the event and they also hosted the prize presentation from the stage of their radio van. It was a great idea and meeting all the kids as they came on stage to collect their awards was great, but it was just so cold!
We left feeling inspired by what we had seen and all revved up for another week of training!
For more information on the Horizon Fitness Racing Team, visit www.onthedrops.com.