SPORTING venues in north Kent will be used during the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Five locations across Dartford and Gravesham have been put on a list of 31 Kent training facilities which athletes can use during the build up to the games.
The three Dartford venues, chosen from an initial short list of 39, were Dartford Judo Centre in Cotton Lane, Princes Park Stadium in Grassbanks, and Arrow Riding Centre for the Disabled, in Darenth Park Avenue.
The Olympic committee also deemed that Meapa Gymnastics Club in Cedar Avenue, Gravesend, and Nurstead Court Equestrian Centre, in Nurstead Church Lane, Meopham, were up to Olympic standard.
Dartford's £4.5m judo centre is home to the Dartford Judo Club and is already used for national and international training.
Following the announcement on March 3, the centre's chairman and head coach, Alan Roberts, said: "We really are delighted. We were hopeful that it would be used for something since it was built, as we have great quality here.
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"It is a reward for all the hard work which people have put in to make this facility as good as it is."
Meanwhile Kent County Council's (KCC) cabinet member for community services, Councillor Mike Hill, said: "I am really delighted that Kent has been recognised so highly as a county able to host athletes of Olympic and Paralympic standard and congratulations to all those who were chosen.
"We are reaching a very exciting stage in welcoming teams from a range of sports, visiting and training in Kent ahead of the Games.
"This opportunity will promote Kent on a global scale and bring a real boost to tourism, the local economy and result in sporting, educational and cultural exchanges."
KCC's sport, leisure and Olympics service has been carrying out assessments of Kent's facilities over the last year before putting them forward to the London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games - who decided on 31 venues.
Olympic facilities need to meet strict criteria to host athletes of international standard.
Posted by: Kevin, Dartford on 10:16pm Wed 5 Mar 08
It's nice to see Dartford Council supporting high profile, publicity generating events. It's a shame they're content to let Stone Lodge Bowls Club go down the pan due to extortionate rates. I guess the pleasure it brings to 600 local people is just not as important to them.
It's nice to see Dartford Council supporting high profile, publicity generating events. It's a shame they're content to let Stone Lodge Bowls Club go down the pan due to extortionate rates. I guess the pleasure it brings to 600 local people is just not as important to them.
I am all in favour, but can't help thinking, Olympic Games-Dartford and Gravesend, to host a few venues?
Does not really sound credible, when these towns can barely run themeselves.
I am all in favour, but can't help thinking, Olympic Games-Dartford and Gravesend, to host a few venues?
Does not really sound credible, when these towns can barely run themeselves.
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