Olympians and Paralympians visit Yeovil to support struggling arena
Gold medallists team up to save the athletics track
Last updated 19th Jul 2024
TV personality Mark Wright joined gold medal winning athletes Greg Rutherford, Aled Davies and Team GB swimmer James Guy, to visit Yeovil's struggling sports arena.
With Somerset council facing budget cuts, the Bill Whistlecroft Athletics Arena at Yeovil Rec has been on the brink of closure due to high running costs.
Since the cuts, more than 15,000 people have signed a petition to protect the site.
Geoff Cole, Chairman of the Yeovil Olympiads and the Somerset athletics association said: "These facilities are not just local assets; they hold regional importance across the South West as they represent the only public facility of its kind and quality in Somerset.
"The impact of this closure would be far-reaching. The Yeovil Olympiads would lose their base, local schools that utilise these facilities for physical education and sports events would be left without an alternative, other athletics clubs who depend on these amenities would be displaced, and County, Regional and National level competitions hosted here would need to find new venues."
Since then, British Gas responded by giving the site what they have called an "Olympic overhaul", to make the site more energy efficient and reduce their bills.
The make-over includes new solar panels, heat pumps and insulation.
Mark Wright is an ambassador for the firm, he said: "It's fantastic to see this sporting facility get a much-needed refresh.
"These places are crucial for physical and mental health and bring people together.
"With the Olympics around the corner, these upgraded facilities will inspire young people to pursue their dreams of competing at an elite level."
There are hopes the changes will future-proof the site, so the Yeovil Olympiads can use the track for years to come.