Enfield gets set for London 2012 with an adiZone

The AdiZone - a giant multi-sport outdoor gym venue aimed to inspire the local community to get involved in sport is based in Ponders End Recreation Ground, will be free to use, and open 365 days a year. In addition to the adiZone Ponders End Recreation Ground will also see more changes in the future, including a new perimeter jogging path, new native species of plants added to its landscape and some new cycle stands.

AdiZones, designed and developed by adidas, Official Sportswear Partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, are permanent installations measuring 625sq metres and boasting sporting facilities inspired by Olympic and Paralympic sports that include a basketball, football and tennis area, a climbing wall, an outdoor gym and an open area to encourage dance, aerobics and gymnastics . From above the zones are shaped to look like the Olympic rings.

It will serve the local community across Enfield and further afield, as a space where young people can meet socially whilst being encouraged to play sports. Local coaches and sports club organisers will be invited to attend the site, to spot talent and encourage young people to join local clubs and sporting organisations.

AdiZones were initially installed by adidas in four of the London 2012 host boroughs, and are now being introduced to towns and cities across the UK as the Olympic and Paralympic Games preparation increases. Enfield secured £75,000, from Capita, and £78,500 from the (DCSF) Department for Children, Schools and Families to fund the new facilities.

Cllr Jon Kaye, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Olympics 2012 said "The adiZone helps deliver Enfield Council's objectives for the 2012 Games by engaging more young people in sport and physical activity, building and expanding opportunities to participate in sport and creating a legacy that will ensure the adiZone is available long after the games have finished.

"The adiZone is eye catching, fun and the perfect way to combine sports facilities into an urban outdoor area. It's wonderful to see it in Enfield.

"It is also an exciting and important element of wider proposals for the Recreation Ground which in turn is the first phase of ambitious place shaping proposals for Ponders End."

Nick Craggs, Director of Marketing, adidas Area North added: "As a London 2012 sponsor, adidas believes it is vitally important that free sporting facilities are made available and accessible if we are truly going to get the nation participating in sport. To date the installation of adiZones has brought groups of young people together to get involved in a variety of sports and improved community relations, echoing the legacy that the London 2012 Games hopes to achieve."

Seb Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games said: "It's fantastic to see adidas expanding the adiZone programme to Enfield . The adiZones inspire young people to become more active and help make our vision of encouraging these young people to choose sport a reality."