The Youth Scholarship Scheme introduced at Cannons Health Club, Riverside Retail Park Chelmsford in January has been a tremendous success.

Chelmsford Athletic Club's Jordan Lau has benefited from his complimentary membership, which has allowed him maximum use of the facilities at Cannons throughout this year.

Lau, 16, has come on in leaps and bounds in his chosen sport of the long jump event saying, "I have no doubt that the improvement in my performance is largely down to the preparations I have been able to do before an event.

"Using the swimming pool four times a week plus a minimum of weekly visits to the gym and the support from Cannons' staff have contributed to me breaking my personal best four times throughout the season."

Already this year, Jordan has achieved his two personal targets, helped by the chance to use such state of the art facilities.

Specifically, Jordan has won the English Schools' Championship, which he did so with a personal best of 7.21m, quashing his previous record jump of 6.82m.

Winning the title and jumping beyond seven metres has put him on target for his goal to represent Great Britain in the long jump event at the World Junior Championships in Jamaica in 2002 and future Olympic Games.

"This tremendous success has prompted us not only to continue with the scheme, but also to expand it," expressed Rob Hickman, Cannons' General Manager.

"We would very much like to extend Jordan's scholarship to see just how far he can go in his sport as we feel confident that he will attain his long term goals."

Additionally, the Cannons Health Club is offering the same opportunities to two more local talents.

Applications are requested from young sportsmen and women between the ages of 16 and 18 and should be made in writing to Rob Hickman at Cannons Health Club.

Details of successes to date, current training regime and facilities used, date of birth and goals for the future could be included within each application.

To find out more about the Cannons Health Club and the facilities on offer, visit the Club on Riverside Retail Park or telephone 01245 254444 to make an appointment with one of the Cannons' teams.

Jordan's joy: Chelmsford Athletic Club's Jordan Lau has benefited from the Youth Scholarship Scheme at Cannons Health Club.

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