Full Merton Council accepts proposals
Wednesday 12th September saw proposals to create a new competitive sporting competition for Merton, the 'Sophie Hosking Challenge Cup', successfully adopted at Full Council. The aim of the new sports tournament is to build on the achievements of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. Named after our own local Olympic Hero, Sophie Hosking, it is now for the borough’s schools themselves to decide on which sport is represented in the competition, which will be for 8-11 year olds in all Merton schools.
Councillor Samantha George, the Conservatives’ Leisure and Culture Spokesman, who proposed the motion at the Full Council Meeting, said:
"It was great to gain cross-party support for our proposal of the Sophie Hosking Challenge Cup and that Merton Council agreed to name it after Sophie, in honour of her wonderful achievements at the London 2012 Olympic Games. I hope that the introduction of this new sports trophy will inspire and encourage all of Merton's school kids in their pursuit of sporting success, perhaps enabling future generations of Olympians to emerge in the borough. It's brilliant that we can also celebrate Sophie's achievements as our very own local Olympic Champion."
Cross-party support was gained for the proposal on Wednesday night. Gold medallist Sophie Hosking, pictured on the right sitting on her own Gold Postbox, tweeted 'that's fantastic news' in response to the outcome of the meeting. Merton schools will now be consulted on making this a reality. Councillor Samantha George added:
“Who knows - perhaps Sophie will even be able to come along and present the trophies at the first competition! This will be a great legacy from the London 2012 Olympic Games for Merton".
September 17, 2012