The Olympic and Paralympic success during 2012 will be forever remembered at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) through the installation of the iconic Olympic rings, the Paralympic Games Agitos symbol and a specially carved commemorative Portland stone.
John Tweed, Chief Executive, WPNSA, has been the driving force of this project, “The Academy has entered a new phase in its evolution post Games, but as a 2012 venue the Olympics and Paralympics are still very much part of this sporting facility’s DNA. It has been a long term vision of ours to ensure an onsite legacy at Weymouth and Portland. The world renowned rings offer such a strong visual representation of the Games, they will bring back wonderful memories from the summer of sport to both the local community and visitors”.
With the Academy’s open door ethos, the rings and Agitos symbol will both be available as a fantastic backdrop for a family photograph. John Tweed has also been discussing with the Portland Sculpture and Quarry Trust the carving of a commemorative stone using locally sourced natural material which will list all the representatives of Team GB and Paralympics GB in both the Olympic and Paralympic sailing events. The stone quarried from the Isle of Portland has been used extensively within buildings across the British Isles, the beautiful grey-white limestone having been used most famously in the construction of St Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace.
WPNSA would like to thank the British Olympic Association, International Olympic Committee, British Paralympic Association and International Paralympic Committee for their assistance in helping WPNSA achieve this onsite legacy.
The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy lends itself as a relaxed destination to visit for photographs and to enjoy stunning views. Free car parking, an onsite restaurant, café and large sun deck opening onto the panorama of the Jurassic coastline create an ideal setting.
Further details on installation dates to be released shortly.