Vote now to improve our athletics tracks

Local athletics enthusiasts are being urged to vote for tracks in the region to receive vital funding.

Two tracks in Norfolk - Sportspark in Norwich and Lynnsport at King's Lynn - are among those that could benefit if enough votes are received for the 'If You Build It, They Will Come' project submitted by England Athletics' East Region.

The project has been entered into the nationwide 'Join Our Team' initiative by Norwich Union, sponsors of UK Athletics, to help fund local sport and - if successful - will go towards the cost of upgrading facilities.

In April next year, new UKA facility requirements come into force for pole vault and hammer throw events and could cost tracks up to £4,000.

If the requirements are not met they could lose their track registration rating or licence, which would mean less opportunities for athletes to compete and train.

Under the Norwich Union Initiative, projects can win a gold award (£50,000), silver (£25,000) or bronze (£1,000).

The number of tracks benefiting, and the amount of money received by each, would depend on which award - if any - the East Region's project wins. But it is hoped that any money received will be enhanced by 'match funding' with other partners to increase the amount going to tracks in the region.

Chris Jones, Regional Manager for England Athletics in the East Region, urged people to vote, saying: "Our region's athletics clubs provide a first class service for people in communities through various coaching and competition opportunities and by voting for these facility improvements, more people can benefit from our great sport."

Voting ends at midnight on September 16 and to vote for the project go to www.joinourteam.com and scroll down to the East Region.