Ipswich is leading Suffolk’s bid to be a “player” at the 2012 London Olympics. The Borough Council has become one of the first in the UK to appoint a Sports Ambassador to promote all sports at all levels. She is world swimming superstar Karen Pickering who will be working with Council staff under the new Team Ipswich banner.
While trying to sell Ipswich’s fantastic facilities to international teams looking for a training base in the run-up to 2012, Karen will also be pushing sport in schools and local clubs.
Team Ipswich was launched at Gainsborough Sports Centre earlier this summer and has already attracted a lot of support. Among the first teams to sign up were the Ipswich Gymnastics Centre and Ipswich Swimming Club.
The brand has also received backing from the elite of British sport - endorsements have come in from Sir Steve Redgrave, Steve Cram and Daley Thompson. The legendary decathlete told Team Ipswich manager Adam Baker: “I wish I lived in Ipswich.”