A buzz of excitement was back in the air in the Olympic Park on Monday when a gold medallist Paralympian paid a visit to East Village.
Four-time Paralympic swimming champion, Ellie Simmonds OBE, was back on her old turf but this time in her role as Active Kids ambassador for Sainsbury’s.
There to cut the ribbon of a new store, Ellie joined pupils from Colegrave Primary School, Lynn Brown MP and local charity Community Links at the event.
Speaking to the Recorder she said: “I live in Loughborough now and haven’t been back here for a while. I’ve come a few times for the aquatic centre and for a couple of appearances but haven’t been back to the village for ages,” she said.
“I stayed just around the corner from here the whole time during the Paralympics, it’s changed quite a bit. It’s more built up now.”
Ellie has been an Active Kids ambassador for Sainsbury’s since 2009 and has done appearances alongside David Beckham to promote the campaign.
Sainsbury’s supply schools with sports equipment to encourage kids to get active in a bid to keep the legacy of the Olympics and Paralympics alive.
“I’m really hoping to take part in the next Paralympics, if I qualify,” Ellie explained.
“But you only find out about four months before. There is a big event every year though so I’m always working towards a target.”
Community Links have been selected to be the store’s charity of the year, meaning Sainsbury’s will support it, increase awareness about it and promote its services.
The charity have been active in Newham for 38 years, providing support services for children, youths and adults.
West Ham MP, Lynn Brown, also attended the opening and praised the store for choosing to support a local charity.
She said: “It’s great to see how Sainsbury’s are really trying to be part of the local community by adopting Community Links as their charity of the year and it’s been wonderful meeting Ellie today.”
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