Chichester College and athletes team up to great effect

The facility will serve as the permanent base for the club as part of a ten-year partnership arrangement.
The club will use the college facilities for winter training, as well as hold regular committee meetings and social events at the pavilion.
Mark Forder, sports and leisure manager at Chichester College, said: “We are delighted to celebrate the opening of our new facility with the Chichester Runners.
“The Pavilion Bar has been completely refurbished and it includes a bar area, as well as rooms at the back which will be used by the running club on their training evenings.
“We are looking forward to working with the running club over the coming years, and hopefully welcoming more community clubs to the college.”
Julie Kapsalis, vice-principal at the college, added: “We want the college to be at the very heart of our community. We have some excellent sports facilities on campus, which are open to the public, and we see the Pavilion as being the next step in building those community links – serving as a community sports hub.
“I hope other clubs in the area see our partnership with the running club as one they could replicate, and make their home here too.”
During the launch, the achievements of one Chichester Runner were also recognised as Kevin Lockyear received a long-service award from the South of England Athletic Association for 20 years of service to the club as a coach. 
Robert Wiggins, Chichester Runners committee member, said: “It is a dream come true for the club to have a base that we can call home – a place where members can meet before and after a training session and at other times for social events.
“Lots of credit must go to Mark Forder and Chichester College, who have shared our dream of having a community sports hub to help groups in the area with facilities that will promote sport in the community.
“It is an exciting time for the club as we will seek new opportunities to build on the partnership in the future.”
Chichester Runners will start a Get Active Get Running eight-week beginners’ running course, starting on Monday, May 16. For more information, please visit www.chichester-runners.org.uk/get-running
The Pavilion Bar is open on weekday evenings. For information about room hire, contact [email protected] or call 01243 812936.

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