Chinese to set up Olympic training camp in Lisburn

THEY were jumping for joy at Salto on Wednesday when it was announced the National Gymnastics Centre in Lisburn would host the Chinese Olympic Gymnastics team for their pre-Olympic training.

During the summer Salto hosted an assessment visit by both the Head Men’s and Ladies Gymnastics Coaches from China.

Mayor of Lisburn, Councillor Brian Heading, speaking about this announcement, said: “It is fantastic news for Salto and the City of Lisburn that it is to play host to the Chinese National Artistic Gymnastics team for its 10 day training camp. During a four day visit in July, which was hosted by Salto in partnership with Lisburn City Council and Sport NI, Salto underwent a rigorous assessment process by the two head coaches who’s Gymnasts won 11 gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

“Congratulations to everyone involved in securing this pre-games training camp and I am sure that the ‘big names’ in the world of gymnastics will enjoy training on the Gymnova equipment at Salto.”

China’s top two gymnastic coaches, Jingbin Xiong and Weiguo Jin, were very impressed with the standard of facilities and the supporting infrastructure available in Lisburn and the Greater Belfast area.

Councillor Thomas Beckett, Chairman of the Council’s Leisure Services Committee, added: “The potential of the Chinese team that will train at Salto is exceptional and will consist of genuine medal contenders at the London 2012 Olympic Games. To be chosen as a training venue for such a talented gymnastics team is certainly something for Salto to be proud of.

“This national gymnastics centre is of strategic sporting importance to the City of Lisburn and it is regularly used by local gymnastic talent of all ages. The facility has a number of international coaches on hand including Chinese coach, Sun Jie.

“The opportunity to welcome the World’s Number One Gymnastics Team to Lisburn can only help raise the profile of local sport and act as a catalyst for greater local engagement with the London 2012 Games. Congratulations to everyone involved in promoting the sporting facilities within Lisburn,” he concluded.

In the official letter received from the Gymnastics Association of the People’s Republic of China the Executive President, Dr Luo Chaoyi, thanked the staff at Salto for all the work so far and he expects the Chinese training camp to be a great success.

Representatives of the Council and Salto were joined by the Sports Minister Caral Ni Chuilin, MLA, and representatives of Sport NI and the Chinese community in Lisburn to celebrate this excellent news. in preparation for the Games.

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