Tiverton Olympian Jo Pavey excited by £300k council's sport pledge (From Mid Devon Star)

Tiverton Olympian Jo Pavey excited by £300k council's sport pledge

9:00am Thursday 25th October 2012 in Devon

OLYMPIAN Jo Pavey has described Devon County Council’s £300,000 pledge to improve the county’s grassroots sport as ‘very exciting’.

Track and field athlete Jo, from Tiverton, who was part of Team GB at the Olympics in London this year, has backed the council’s attempt to help inspire a generation.

The council is investing £310,000 in a 2012 legacy plan for grassroots sport in the county which it will launch with the county sports partnership, Active Devon.

Jo said: “It’s always good to see investment in grassroots sport and, in this instance, utilising the excitement and focus of London 2012 to create a lasting legacy for the people of Devon.

“I am really excited about the announcement, which will benefit so many people across our county and enable them to get involved in sport in whatever role they choose and at their own level.”

Cllr Roger Croad, cabinet member for Environmental and Community Services, said: “The benefits of people choosing active lifestyles are not confined to physical and mental well-being but extend to much wider social and community benefits.

“London 2012 brought the whole country together and, working with Active Devon, we now have a golden opportunity to bring the legacy to life.”

Active Devon chief executive Matt Evans said: “We are delighted and it will put investment in place until at least 2015 and enable us to help more communities to deliver sports activities.”

Jo competed in the 5,000 and 10,000 metres events at the London Games and finished seventh in both finals.