Greg Unveils Plaque

20 December 2012, 12:10 | Updated: 20 December 2012, 12:32

Olympic gold medallist Greg Rutherford's unveiled a plaque at the Milton Keynes Athletics Club where his London 2012 journey began.

The 26 year old long jumper returned to the Marshall Milton Keynes Athletics Club on Wednesday 19 December 2012 and offered some tips to young people inspired by his success during a celebratory event.

Greg said: “It is fantastic to be back at Marshall Milton Keynes Athletics Club where it all began. Winning gold at London 2012 was an unbelievable experience however it wouldn’t have been possible if I hadn’t received the support and encouragement from this club. It is important that clubs like this receive all the help they need to get more people into and enjoying sport.”

Sport England has invited all Olympic and Paralympic medal winners to nominate the community club where they discovered their love of sport. All of the clubs will be offered bespoke advice from Sport England about how the grassroots funding body can support their work.

Lisa O’Keefe, Sport England Director of Sport said: “With 173 medals won, this summer proved to be our most successful Olympic and Paralympic Games ever. It is important that we not only celebrate the success of our athletes but the sports clubs and volunteers who helped them on their journey to London 2012.

"Without them many of our athletes’ Olympic and Paralympic dreams may not have come true. At Sport England we want to both recognise the fantastic work of these clubs in helping local people to get into sport and fulfil their potential and to support them to achieve even more.”