Soar Magazine 12

www.soarmagazine.co.uk


Swimmers will be making a splash at five Leicester sports centres as part of Swimathon 2011, the world’s largest fundraising swimming challenge, which is taking place in April.

Participants can sign up to the challenge of swimming 10,000 metres, 5,000 metres, 2,500 metres or 1,500 metres, or simply set their own distance to aim for.

You can take part alone or in teams as part of the huge fundraising effort, which is in its 25th year. Last year 20,000 swimmers took part and raised £2m for Marie Curie Cancer Care and the Swimathon Foundation.

“Swimathon offers the ultimate challenge to swimmers and teams. For those who enjoy swimming, working to get fit and doing the Swimathon challenge can be as rewarding as running the London Marathon.”

Duncan Goodhew, Olympic gold medallist and Swimathon President

Mixed Ability Swimathon sessions taking place in Leicester…

Aylestone Leisure Centre Saturday 9th April 12.00 - 3.00pm & 3.00pm - 6.00pm Sunday 10th April 2.00pm - 5.00pm

Braunstone Leisure Centre Saturday 9th April 9.00am – 12.00pm

Evington Leisure CentreSaturday 9th April 2.00pm - 5.00pm

Cossington Street Sports Centre Sunday 10th April 1.00pm - 5.00pm

Spence Street Sports Centre Sunday 10th April 8.00am -12.00pm

For further details contact:

Aylestone Leisure Centre 0116 233 3040

Cossington Street Sports Centre 0116 233 3060

Braunstone Leisure Centre 0116 229 3229

Evington Leisure Centre 0116 299 5575

Spence Street Sports Centre 0116 299 5584

TAKE THE PLUNGE AT SWIMATHON 2011

To enter Swimathon 2011, call 0845 367 0036, email [email protected] or pick up an entry form from any local participating swimming pool.

5

Editor’sCommentIn just three months time, the destiny of our major sports teams’ chase for glory will be settled. Never has there been so much attention from outside our county borders, as World rugby’s box office team, Leicester Tigers and cosmopolitan Leicester City aim to secure the silverware the whole of Leicestershire craves.

So rather than forking out for clairvoyants, take a look inside as we delve behind the scenes of Welford Road and the Walkers Stadium and speak to the players and the people who may well shape this season’s finale.

The charismatic Paul Gallagher and the explosive Tuilagi brothers discuss their hopes on the field, whilst off the field, the Foxes’ recently appointed Vice-Chairman, Aiyawatt Raksriaksorn, offers Soar Magazine an exclusive insight into his passion for the game and his Premier League dream.

But there’s far more to this issue than just the mainstream teams. Speedway is coming back to the city and we speak to promoter, David Hemsley, Leicester Riders hot-shot, Ryan Zamroz and Olympic hopefuls, Eden Francis and Sophie Smith, as the excellence of Leicestershire sport is once again on show.

We’ve also added the great and good of our city’s bars and restaurants in to our new guide so you can treat yourselves, whilst our health section is packed full of advice to get you tip-top for this summer.

Next time around, in our June issues, with our collective fates sealed, we’ll provide the breakdown on how our heroes fared, whilst looking ahead to a spectacular summer of sport.

Enjoy this issue and enjoy the drama…

LineupSoar Sport 08 Paul Gallagher

12 Sophie Smith

14 Inner City Golf

18 Eden Francis

22 Ryan Zamroz

24 ICON: David Hemsley

Soar Health28 Bikram Yoga

30 LR Sport

32 Dean Hodgkin

33 Lifestyle Lite

38 NHS Stop Smoking

40 New Parks Leisure Centre

Soar Lifestyle44 Aiyawatt Raksriaksorn

48 VISTA

50 Rob Dorsett

54 Soar TV

57 Soar Bars & Restaurants

62 SoarPoint: The Tuilagis

66 InPictures

The copyright of all material is owned by Soar Media Ltd and may not be reproduced or published without prior consent. Soar Media Ltd take no responsibility for the claims made by advertisers, nor all of the views expressed by contributors.

Dean Eldredge, Editor

Thanks: Rob Dorsett, George Dryden, Eden Francis, Paul Gallagher, David Hemsley, Dean Hodgkin, Alan Jones, Andy Mann, Libby Nockles, Matt Pinches, Tadthep Pitakpoolsin, Aiyawatt Raksriaksorn, Sophie Smith, Alesana & Manu Tuilagi, Lorna & Clare at Vista, Anita Webster & Ryan Zamroz

Soar Magazine is produced by Soar Media LtdLCB Depot, 31 Rutland St, Leicester LE1 1RET: 0116 2616 892 E: [email protected]: Dean Eldredge & Jon ReevesAdvertising: Shane SurdharCreative: Jon Dodd & Gary WebsterPhotos: Soar Photo Cover Images: Tiger ImagesPrint: Soar Print Website: Soar Media

7

soarsport

Leicester Schools FA, sponsored by E.L. Contracts, in action at Judgemeadow CC.PROUD TO BE OFFICIAL BUSINESS PARTNERS

WITH LEICESTER CITY FOOTBALL CLUB


DON’T LOOK BACKIN ANGERLeicester City forward Paul Gallagher is currently playing some of the best football of his career. Since joining the Foxes from Blackburn Rovers in 2009 ‘Gally’ has established himself as one of the finest attacking talents in the Championship.

Famed for his set-piece ability, penalty-taking style and charismatic nature off the pitch, Gallagher is also an extremely committed professional who realises just how lucky he is to be getting paid to play the game he loves.

Paul’s passion for football began at an early age and he soon earned a trial at local side, Blackburn Rovers, an achievement he attributes to the support of his family.

“My mum and dad say I was nightmare as a kid. Even before I could walk I had a ball in my hand. When I was seven I played in the under 12’s and scored goals. Luckily enough we had scouts at the games and I was invited to train with Blackburn.

“My family were strong. They didn’t force me into doing anything but they knew I loved playing football. They stood by every decision I made and they’ve been there every step of the way.”

Gallagher almost didn’t make the breakthrough at Ewood Park and was thankful for the role a former Leicester City manager played in his development.

“When I was 16, Blackburn were going to let me go as they said I wasn’t quick enough. Rob Kelly, who used to be at Leicester, was my youth team manager and he gave

me a chance and a three-year YT contract. I did well in youth teams and was training with the reserves as a 17 and 18-year-old.”

Gallagher’s first team debut came out of the blue, but it’s a day that he’ll always remember.

“I think Andy Cole fell out with Graeme Souness so I got the call up. We were playing Arsenal the next day which was unbelievable as I’d never even trained with the first team. It was a big shock, but I came on and we won the game 2-0. To be fair, I should’ve scored but when I ran through my legs turned to jelly!”

After that memorable start to his Rovers career, Gallagher endured several frustrating seasons on loan, before the chance to sign for Leicester permanently presented itself.

“I think I made more appearances for Blackburn when I was 18 and

9

19, to when I was 22 and 23 and once you’ve had a taste of first team football you want to play every week. I went to a few clubs on loan, which I enjoyed. When I went back to Blackburn we had quite a few changes of manager and they were bringing in world class players like Benni McCarthy and Roque Santa Cruz. You have to be realistic and move on to get your career started and those loan spells made me bigger, stronger and a better person.

“I wanted to get out of that mould of being a travelled player, being at clubs for just a few months, so when Leicester came calling, I came down and had a look. The facilities were first class, the stadium was magnificent and it’s all set up for the Premier League. I spoke to Nigel Pearson, who was manager at the time and just made my mind up.”

Gallagher has already worked under three managers at City, firstly Pearson, then Paulo Sousa and now Sven-Goran Eriksson.

“If someone had told me two years ago that Sven-Goran Eriksson was going to be my manager I probably would’ve laughed along with them. He’s the most down to earth man you’ll ever meet, he’s so relaxed. He’s always last on the bus because he talking to the fans and signing autographs. You just have to look at the clubs and national teams he’s managed, his record is phenomenal.

“He wants his players to go out there, enjoy and express themselves and it gives you freedom to play. You know you’re going to have to work hard because that’s the first thing in football. If you work hard then your ability will come through.”

Paul famously gets on well with team-mate Richie Wellens and provided an insight into their relationship, explaining how banter and camaraderie are a vital part of the game.

“As soon as I came to the club we got on well because we’re from up north. I’d never met him

before. I’ve played against him and always thought what a good player he is. Technically he’s one of the best players in the Championship and he

could play in the Premier League. He’s got vision, craft and plays with a bit of swagger. As a person, he’s a top man. We’ve been on a few nights out together and we’ve been for food with our wives and kids.

“If you can’t come to work doing a job that you love with a smile on your face then you’re in the wrong business. From a young age you’ve dreamt of being a footballer and you’ve got this opportunity to do it for ten, 15 years and you’ve got to enjoy everyday, and that’s what we do. When game time comes we’re one hundred per cent serious, but training and off the pitch, we’ll keep the banter and the character alive.”


A man not backwards about going forwards when it comes to believing in his own ability, Gally’s distinctive penalty taking style sees him beginning his run up with his back to the goalkeeper, a technique he has developed over the years.

“Everyone’s got their own technique and I’ve always felt comfortable taking a penalty that way. It’s all about mind-games and out-foxing the goalkeeping. I believe if a keeper can look into your eyes it gives him more chance of knowing where you’re going to put the ball.”

At 26, Paul Gallagher is approaching his peak as a footballer and believes that he’s at the perfect club to realise his ambitions.

“We came close to promotion last year, which was one of the most emotional rides I’ve been on. With no disrespect to the squad from last year, we’re stronger now. I think we’ve got better players, but last season we relied a lot on team spirit.

Last year I think a lot of our success was through grit and determination not to lose, and since Sven has come we’ve shown that again.

“We’ve got an ambitious manager, the new owners are very ambitious

Paul’s wife, Hayley, is set to take on a challenge of her own at the end of March. Mrs Gallagher will be trekking across the Great Wall of China to raise money for the Meningitis Trust. The charity is extremely close to the couple’s hearts as Paul’s younger brother Daniel passed away from the disease when he was a baby.

Hayley will be joined by fellow footballers’ wives Becky Doyle, Paula Parnarby and Melissa Derbyshire who are married to the Birmingham City trio of Colin Doyle, Stuart Parnaby and Matt Derbyshire. The Doyle’s baby son, Liam, almost died from meningitis last year.

Paul spoke of his admiration for Hayley, his memories of his brother

Daniel and how losing him affected his family.

“I’m one hundred per cent behind Hayley. She’s a very determined lady and I’m sure the girls will complete what they’ve set out to do and raise a lot of money for a great charity.

“It was 19 years ago when Daniel passed away. I can still remember it like it was yesterday. I never usually speak about it but when you grow older you get stronger. I’ll never forget him and the day it happened was just tragic. He was happy as they go, a smiley young lad, and they used to call him the little smiler.

“It hit me hard because I’m the oldest in my family. To see what my

mum and dad went through, I wouldn’t wish that on anybody. It’s so devastating and it can break a family. They’ve got two other children, me and my sister, but we won’t replace my brother, he’ll always be in their hearts. You’ve got to try and keep it together and be a shoulder for your mum. My mum is strong now and she’s one hundred per cent behind what Hayley is doing.”

To donate to Hayley Gallagher’s China Trek for the Meningitis Trust visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/hayleygallagher

and the players are ambitious. Every player wants to play in the Premier League. I’ve had a taste of it and I want to get back there and show what I can do.”

UNBELIEVABLE TREKKERS

11

UNBELIEVABLE TREKKERS


FOCUSSOPHIE SMITH • SOPHIE SMITH • SOPHIE SMITH • SOPHIE SMITH • SOPHIE SMITH •

SOPHIE’S CHOICE

Y oung Leicestershire swimmer Sophie Smith has already made quite a splash

in the sport, breaking British records and becoming European Junior Champion.

The 16-year-old specialises in the individual medley, an event which involves all four swimming strokes, and also holds eight short course and three long course East Midlands regional records. Sophie recently swam for the Great Britain senior team during the ‘Duel in the Pool’ against Germany in February and has high hopes for the 2012 Olympics.

Sophie first caught the swimming bug at a young age, starting a coaching relationship that has lasted throughout her short career so far.

“I started when I was about four or five at school, having lessons and actually my coach now, Alex Dawson, is the person that taught me to swim and I’ve known him pretty much all my life. I joined Hinckley Swimming club and from there I joined the City of Leicester Swimming Club which is based at Braunstone Leisure Centre and I’ve been here ever since.”

After achieving a lot already, Sophie has enjoyed plenty of highlights and memorable performances.

“I became double European Champion in the summer of 2010 and about a month later I got five gold medals at the nationals, but

all of my national medals from the age of 11 upwards are really my best achievements. The European Championship was the first time that I’d represented Great Britain and it was really great when they played the national anthem.”

“I’ve got four British records and quite a few East Midlands and county records as well. I’ve been breaking county records since I was 12. The records are an added bonus to a good performance and I want to keep breaking records as long as I can.”

With her specialist event being the individual medley, which is made up of butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke

13

SOPHIE SMITH • SOPHIE SMITH • SOPHIE SMITH • SOPHIE SMITH • SOPHIE SMITH •

and front crawl, Sophie isn’t sure of her best stroke, but is enjoying being an all-round swimmer.

“I’d probably say butterfly was my strongest stroke, but I really enjoy doing all four and I want to keep doing each stroke as long as I can and keep as versatile as possible. I think, eventually, I will be able to find my strongest stroke but at the moment I’ll stick with the individual medley and I enjoy swimming in the relays as well.”

Keeping versatile and enjoying such success requires great dedication to training and preparation, and leaves little time for anything else, as Sophie explained.

“I do eight two-hour training sessions a week with two double days, so I swim in the morning before school from 5.15am to 7.15am, probably on a Monday and a Friday and then Saturday morning as well, and then every single night. I have gym work as well added on for half an hour on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and then more power based stuff on a Saturday. I usually swim at the Loughborough University 50m pool once a week and it’s good to practice there.

“It’s quite hard to balance school work but it’s all about managing your time right and getting it done when you can. I don’t get so much time for socialising. I do get Sunday off if I’m not competing and the rest of the Saturday after morning training, so it is an opportunity to relax a bit. In my spare time I sleep, watch TV, go shopping and go to the cinema.

“You do get very tired and sometimes the best thing is to listen to your body and have a night off, but generally you have to just work through it.”

Sophie paid tribute to her coach Alex Dawson, who she’s been

working with as long as she’s been swimming.

“My coach has always been there and he’s always at the big competitions. I really trust in what he’s doing, I think they’re the right things for me and we’ve got a good coach-swimmer relationship.”

As an ambassador for the Go Gold Talented Athlete Fund, Sophie is extremely grateful for the support she has received which has helped her show such dedication to the sport.

“I’ve been funded with them for five years now. I started off with the lower funding and then worked my way up to the Go Gold performance award, which is £1000 and that does really help because all the facilities and the equipment aren’t free. It helps with that and travel costs so you can keep going and keep achieving.”

An extremely focused and committed young lady, Sophie Smith is sure to achieve plenty more in her career and has her sights firmly set on the 2012 Olympics in London.

“This year I’m aiming to make the World Juniors and represent Britain again and hopefully try to contest for the World Seniors. That will be a bit harder, but I want to try and contest anyway because you never know. Next year it will obviously be the Olympics and I will hopefully be swimming at the trials and that’s my main aim.”

For more information on the Go Gold Talented Athlete Fund visit www.lrsport.org/gogold

“You do get very tired and sometimes the best thing is to listen to your body and have a night off, but generally you have to just work through it.”


Both venues boast extremely well-kept 18-hole courses with the fairways and greens at Humberstone Heights surrounded by beautiful trees and stunning views of Leicester landmarks.

David Butler is Course Manager at both venues and is hoping to see even more local people enjoying the facilities throughout spring and summer.

“We welcome clubs and societies and big group bookings are not a problem. There are no real restrictions in terms of clothing; it’s just smart/casual really. We try to make the facilities as accessible and easy to use as possible. You can pay and play, you don’t need to become a member, but we do offer great value membership rates.

“We want golf to be welcoming to people that haven’t tried it before or haven’t picked up a club for years. We have free introduction to golf classes, six-week coaching sessions in local schools and the academy course is excellent for children and families wanting to take up golf.”

The ‘free introduction to golf’ classes take place at Humberstone Heights’ academy course and represent an excellent starting point for children and families to come and enjoy golf, as David explained.

“I first started on the academy course when I was a teenager and I’ve been playing golf ever since. The course is in great condition and, as well as being manageable for youngsters and beginners, it also has enough variety to keep it interesting. It’s the perfect option for a family wanting to try a new activity that they can play together.”

Coaching and lessons are also available during all school holidays. Tri-golf is a version of the game aimed at younger children when plastic clubs and balls are used. It involves a six-week course when coaches go into schools across the city and teach children the basics of golf. To book a tri-golf session at your school, email [email protected]

CITY GOLF FOR ALLWith the start of the golf season just a short approach shot to the green away, Soar Magazine decided to take another look at Leicester City Council’s two city centre courses; Humberstone Heights and Western Park.

“It’s the perfect option for a family wanting to try a new activity that they can play together.”

Fully Stocked Pro ShopOpen seven days a week, including TaylorMade, Ping, Mizuno, Footjoy and Lyle Scott equipment with PGA professionals on hand for advice and tips.

15

Masters Monday Golf Voucher

Green Fees8 holes (weekday) is £13.50, (weekend) £17. Seniors £12 and Juniors £7.

This voucher provides you with the chance to play a round of golf at either Humberstone Heights or Western Park for £10 on a Monday in April and May.

When redeeming this voucher you can also hire the clubs you require for the round for £5.

Terms and conditions: You must book ahead by telephone. Only one voucher can be used per person. This voucher cannot be redeemed in conjunction with any other offer.Photocopies of this voucher will not be accepted.

To arrange lessons or find out more, contact:Martin Brutnall 07973 308591Jon Allcock 07710 548493Lee Skidmore 07890 394435Jamie Anderson 07500 009029Peter Livie 07525 450708

PGA Professionals5

Western ParkScudamore Road, Leicester LE3 1UQPro Shop – Tel: 0116 299 5566Club House – Tel: 0116 287 5211

Humberstone HeightsGipsy Lane, Leicester LE5 0TBPro Shop – Tel: 0116 2995570Club House – Tel: 0116 2761905

Key Info:

PLAY GOLF FOR

£10 !

Seven-day membership including unlimited golf at both courses is £520 for people living in the city and £580 for county residents. Five-day membership for unlimited golf is £395 for city residents and £425 for county residents. Five-day membership for over 60s living in the city is £320. Junior membership is £100 a year for under 18s.

MEMBERSHIP

Other City Golf Coaching and ClassesDetails: Start Dates:

Beginners Classes at Humberstone Heights

On Sunday afternoonsA 6 week courseGolf balls need to be purchased

Sunday March 27thSunday May 8thSunday June 19thSunday July 31stSunday September 11th

Junior Classes at Western Park

Saturday mornings10 week courseAges 6 to 13

Saturday April 16thSaturday June 25thSaturday September 3rd

Junior Classes at Humberstone Heights

Saturday afternoons6 week course

Saturday March 27thSaturday April 23rdSaturday June 4thSaturday July 16thSaturday August 27thSaturday October 8th

17

DirectoryAmerican FootballLeicester Falconswww.leicesterfalcons.co.uk

AthleticsLeicester Marathonwww.leicestermarathon.org.uk

BadmintonLeicestershire Badminton Assoc.www.lbabadminton.org

BaseballLeicester Blue Sox www.leicesterbluesox.co.uk

BasketballLeicester Riderswww.ridersbasketball.comLeicester Warriorswww.leicesterwarriors.com

BowlsLeicestershire Bowling Assoc. www.leicestershirebowls.com

CricketLeicestershire CCCwww.leicestershireccc.com Leicestershire & Rutland Boardwww.lrcb-cricket.co.uk

CyclingLeicestershire Road Clubwww.leicestershireroadclub.org.uk

FencingLeicester Fencing Clubwww.leicesterfencingclub.com

FootballLeicester City Football Clubwww.lcfc.comLeicestershire & Rutland FAwww.leicestershirefa.com

GolfLeicestershire & Rutland Golf Unionwww.lrgu.tolleyweb.co.uk GymnasticsLeicestershire Gymnastics Assoc.www.leicestershiregymnastics.co.uk

HockeyLeicestershire Hockey Assoc. www.lmha.co.ukLeicester Ladies Hockey Club www.leicesterhc.co.uk

Horse RacingLeicester Racecourse www.leicester-racecourse.co.uk KorfballLeicester City Korfball Clubwww.leicesterkorfball.org.uk

Martial ArtsUrban Martial Artswww.urbanmartialarts.com

Matt Hampson TrustOfficial websitewww.matthampson.co.uk

MotorsportDonington Parkwww.donington-park.co.ukMallory Parkwww.mallorypark.co.uk

NetballLeicestershire Netball Assoc.www.lcna.co.ukLoughborough Lightningwww.loughboroughlightning.co.uk

Outdoor PursuitsLeicester Outdoor Pursuits Centrewww.lopc.co.uk

Roller DerbyDolly Rockit Rollerswww.dollyrockitrollers.co.uk

RowingLeicester Rowing Clubwww.leicester-rowing.co.uk

Rugby UnionLeicestershire Rugby Unionwww.leicsru.netLeicester Tigerswww.leicestertigers.com

SailingRutland Sailing Clubwww.rutlandsc.co.uk

SpeedwayLeicester Lionswww.leicester-speedway.com

SquashLeicester Squash Clubwww.leicestersquashclub.co.uk

SwimmingLeicester Masters Swimming Clubbeehive.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/lmscLoughborough University Swimmingwww.loughboroughswimming.com

TennisLeicestershire Lawn Tennis Assoc. leicestershire.totaltennis.net

TriathlonLeicester Triathlon Clubwww.leicestertriathlonclub.co.uk

UltimateLeicester Ultimate Clubwww.leicesterultimatefrisbee.co.uk

Wheelchair BasketballLeicester Cobraswww.leicestercobras.org.uk

YogaBikram Yogawww.bikramyogaleicester.co.uk

All County ActivitiesLeicester-Shire & Rutland Sportwww.lrsport.org.uk

In association with:

To find your nearest Lifestyle Fitness suite visit www.leicester.gov.uk/lifestylefitness

Soar Magazine is not responsible for the content of these websites


EDEN’SPROJECTEden Francis is one of Leicester’s most promising athletes and has the 2012 Olympic Games firmly in her sights. The 22-year-old shot-putter and discus thrower has been in impressive form of late, winning the shot event at February’s Aviva Indoor UK Championships and European Trials in Sheffield.

Eden, who grew up in Knighton, used to compete for the Leicester Coritanians Athletics Club before moving to Birchfield Harriers. She has already become European Under 23 Champion and represented Great Britain on several occasions.

Coached by her mother, Glenys Morton, who also trains promising Leicester triple-jumper, Laura Samuel, Eden explained how she first got into athletics.

“My mum is an athletics coach so when I was about ten she started coaching other athletes who were older than me. I didn’t have much to do apart from hangout with my friends so I thought I might as well join in. I started off sprinting and doing long jump and then moved into high-jump before mum put me in

the shot one day, just because they had nobody else to fill in the gaps. I wasn’t very good but I quite enjoyed it so I carried on and then started some discus as well, which sort of linked in with my shot. I was bad at that too until, one day, I started to improve.”

When asked about the biggest influence on her career so far, Eden unsurprisingly selected her mum.

“She’s been the one that’s been there all the way through. She’s coached me for practically every event and if it wasn’t for mum, I don’t think I’d be throwing. I’d definitely be doing some kind of sport but I wouldn’t be throwing a discus. She definitely helps keep me motivated because it’s hard. Obviously you have to be self-motivated but it’s nice sometimes when you have

those days when you’re feeling in a bit of a lull, to have somebody else there to help you through it.”

After taking her first steps in athletics at her local club, Leicester Coritanians, Eden chose to join one of the country’s top teams, Birchfield Harriers, to further her career.

“I really didn’t want to leave Leicester Coritanians but they’re only in Division Seven of the Midland League and that’s the only senior league we have in Leicester. It was a case of moving to a higher, better competition to compete against the top discus throwers and shot-putters. It was a case of moving to develop my career.”

And as that career has developed, Eden has enjoyed plenty of success.

19

“Winning the European Under 23 Championships has been one of the highlights so far. In my previous European Championships at Under 20 level, I went in ranked first but messed up big time in the final, so when I got to the Under 23’s I don’t think people were expecting me to deliver, even though I was ranked first going into the competition. When I did win, it made me the first British discus thrower to ever win the European title so that was a great achievement.”

Eden also relishes competing for Britain and has seen plenty of benefits from throwing at the highest level.

“It’s great representing Great Britain. You feel so proud to be competing for your country as one of, at the most, three people in your discipline. It’s a great experience competing on the international stage. You get to meet so many people and get to learn from all the different athletes and coaches, and it’s really great to broaden your knowledge of the events.”

A strong shot-putter and distinguished discus thrower, Eden isn’t sure of her strongest event, but enjoys the variety of competing in both disciplines.

“I enjoy them both equally and which one I excel at seems to differ year on year. At the moment, I’d probably say discus but next year I don’t know, you can never be sure. It’s definitely nice to have that diversity. I used to do long jump, high jump and sprinting so to cut down to two events was quite a big thing for me, so it’s good having two events. If one doesn’t go so well then you know you’ve got the other one to try and do better.”

With a demanding weekly training schedule there is every chance that Eden will continue to improve in both events, but exactly how much time does she sacrifice for training?

“I have to be very dedicated and I train twice every day. It comprises of all aspects, including weights, endurance and sprints, so I work at everything on a weekly basis. Often you’re too tired to go out and do anything else so you have to give up quite a few things and prioritise what you want to do. If you want to be an athlete you have to sacrifice a lot of things.”

With London 2012 just a discus throw away, Eden admitted that the Olympics are a huge target for her and her fans.

“2012 is definitely a major target for me. When we found out seven years ago that London was going to be hosting the games I think every athlete was just thinking, ‘I’ve got to be there’ because there won’t be anything like it ever again. Competing in front of your home crowd will be fantastic and all of my friends are already planning parties to make merchandise with my face on! It will be great, I’m really excited.”

“If you want to be an athlete you have to sacrifice a lot of things.”


The first ever Corporate Rugby Sevens Tournament to be held by Guinness Premiership Champions, The Leicester Tigers has been proclaimed a great success by all involved. A & H Construction claimed the main honours for 2010 but all the teams played well, and as they were sporting GFORCE Rugby Kits from Leicester-based Gymphlex, certainly looked the part.

The Tournament pitted 16 teams against each other. Included in the line up were teams from Caterpillar, Jaguar, Lucozade Sport and Leicester City Council, each wearing team shirts in their own team colours with their own corporate logo.

Matt Poole, Director at Tigers Events comments:-“The kit produced by GFORCE for the National Corporate Sevens was quite simply fantastic and would be worthy of gracing any major rugby tournament. We have had tremendous feedback from all the teams, many of whom went on to order additional kits for their colleagues and supporters. Gymphlex were a dream to work with. As it was the first year of the tournament we had many late kit requests and in some cases we were working to very tight timescales but they delivered every time. We are already looking forward to working with GFORCE on the design for the kit for 2011’s Tournament”.

All of the Teams were playing in professional quality co-ordinated sportswear, including the new GFORCE dye-sublimated Rugby Shirts. All garments were manufactured in the teams stipulated colours, with personalised branding for Tiger’s Events and each participating corporate team.

This was the first event of its kind to be held in the Midlands and the first Corporate Sevens Tournament to be hosted by a Premiership Rugby Club.

Gymphlex has a strong history in Leicester, owned since 1906 by Leicester’s Greenlees family, and sister company to Grahame Gardner Ltd. Harry Greenlees, son of Gymphlex’s founder, captained Leicester Tigers and gained International recognition with Scotland. As well as being the man who launched the Tigers Supporters Club, Harry also introduced Sevens rugby to England from his playing days north of the border. GFORCE supply to Clubs throughout the UK including Cricket, Dance, Football, Hockey, Netball, Rugby, Squash and Tennis Clubs.

For further information please call 01507 523243 or take a look at www.gforcesportswear.co.uk

GFORCE gives professional edge to Corporate Sevens Tournament

This year the Tournament will be taking place on Friday 3rd June, once again GFORCE is proud to have been chosen to supply the kit for this prestigious event.

0543 gforce editorial soar magazine.indd 1 21/02/2011 09:57

21T: 01507 523243 [email protected] www.gforcesportswear.co.uk

Up to 10,000 Colour

Combinations

LowMinimum

Order

Gforce. Not just another stock teamwear brand

Short Lead Time

High Performance Bespoke SportswearWith a passion for sport, GFORCE prides itself in knowing how

important it is to deliver high quality, affordable, multi-sport apparel

with loworder quantities and quick turn–around times.

A BRAND YOU CAN TRUST

cusTomers include

0543 gforce soar magazine ad pink rugby.indd 1 18/02/2011 11:25


Since joining Leicester Riders in the summer, 6ft 4in guard Ryan Zamroz has made quite an impact on the British Basketball League. The Pennsylvanian-born 24-year-old has scored over 350 points and been named in the BBL Team of the Week on several occasions.

As well as playing college basketball in America, Ryan enjoyed success in Australia leading his team, Geraldton Buccaneers, to the SBL play-off semi-finals and scoring an average of 29 points a game. Zamroz is now flourishing in the red of the Riders and impressing alongside fellow Americans, Jo Harris, Lataryl Williams and JR Blount as Rob Paternostro’s men continue their charge up the BBL table.

Soar Magazine caught up with Ryan to talk about life in Leicester, hitting the points trail for Riders and his aims for the rest of the season.

So Ryan, how are you settling into

life in England? I’m enjoying it. I’m here with my wife and we’re enjoying seeing a new place with a little bit of a different culture. There are good things to see everywhere you go and we’re trying to take it all in.

AmericanExpress

And how have you found life on the court for Riders so far?It’s been great. I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity as far as the playing time I get and the opportunities on the floor as well. I’ve got good team mates and a very unselfish team which is ideal to play for, so that’s very good.

There are a few American guys in the team like JR Blount, Lataryl Williams and Jo Harris as well, has that helped? Yeah, it’s good having guys you can talk about home with and it’s nice to have an American coach as well. You know you’re all coming from the same background basketball wise, so that’s been really helpful.

You’ve played in the States and in Australia, how does British basketball compare? I came from an NAIA school in America. Most people recognise NCAA schools, so I come from a little bit of a lesser known basketball background but British basketball is definitely more athletic. It’s up and down and an American style of basketball, but it’s a step up

from where I was coming from in the States and in Australia. There are better athletes here, I’ve played against a lot of good players at university and in Australia, but the athleticism and the pace of the play is quicker here.

How have you found playing at the John Sandford Centre? I said to a few people after our first couple of games at home that they are really good fans. They clap you off the floor when you get subbed out, they’re into the game and you love to hear the big cheer when you hit a shot, and at the end of the game. It’s been a pleasure meeting a lot of the fans and speaking to them at the end of the games.

23

And you’ve been in good scoring form yourself…I feel like I’m learning a little bit more about what I can do for the team each game. I try to go out there and do what I can. I’ve honestly felt like I’ve not shot the ball as well from three as I normally do but I think my statistics are still pretty good.

You mentioned the coach earlier. How have you found working

under Rob Paternostro? It’s been good having Rob as a coach from different aspects because he was a player so he certainly understands the game and what we’re going through as individuals and the rest we need for our bodies. He knows when to push us and he’s an approachable person both on and off the floor. We’re not afraid to ask him a question. With some coaches you don’t have that kind of relationship.

What do you like to do to relax away from the court?My wife and I like to sightsee so we’ve tried to see as much as we can and we’re still working on going to see a few places. I just like relaxing at home, I play guitar, watch movies and stuff like that.

Finally Ryan, what are your hopes for the rest of the season and your aims and ambitions for the future? We want to finish as high as we can in the league this season. I think we have the team to do it. We’ve had some unlucky breaks so far but we’re right in position to advance as a team. Personally, I’ll just do what I can to try and help the team and I’d like to carry on advancing my career, whether that means staying in England or not, whatever comes my way and whatever God brings my way, we’ll just see what happens. For a weekly inside view of Leicester Riders,

read our exclusive online blog by star JR Blount, by visiting www.soarmagazine.co.uk

www.soarmagazine.co.ukwww.soarmagazine.co.uk

David Hemsley

A three-time World Champion in his chosen sport of cycle speedway, David Hemsley is one of the most successful cyclists of his generation. Also a World Team Cup champion, Hemsley holds the British Final record with five wins. David spent the majority of his career riding for Leicester Monarchs where he won a series of league championships and cups.

Now the director of Beaumont Sports Complex Ltd and Promoter of Leicester Speedway Ltd, David has played an influential role in sealing the return of speedway to the city and the re-birth of Leicester Lions.

David spoke to Soar Magazine about his cycling career, his involvement with Leicester Lions and re-igniting the city’s passion for speedway.

You enjoyed quite a successful career in cycle speedway, what are your memories of that?Dennis, WigstonAt the age of 12 I started doing cycle speedway for the Leicester Monarchs who are based at Slater Street on Frog Island. From very humble beginnings I spent 27 years racing cycle speedway all over the world and had a very nice career. I rode for four clubs in the UK but the vast majority of my time was spent at Leicester. I also rode in Poland, Australia and for Great Britain’s touring teams and competed in World Cups.

What were the greatest achievements of your cycling career?Beth, Blaby

I won the World Individual Championships three times, the World Cup six times and was British Individual Champion five times. I had a really nice period at the top between 1991 and 2004, which was very enjoyable.

Have you always been a big speedway fan?Mohammad, Spinney Hill Like many young people of my generation, I grew up with speedway and being taken by my father to watch Leicester Lions at Blackbird Road and that led me into a cycling career. The sad day came when the owners of the stadium decided to sell it for housing development and the opportunities for people to be involved with speedway in Leicester ended.

Who were your heroes growing up?Sally, LoughboroughUnlike many teenagers today who see themselves replicating the likes of David Beckham and Wayne Rooney, when I was 11 or 12, I wanted to be Les Collins who was Leicester’s hero at the time, I wanted to be a speedway rider. I never managed it but other opportunities presented themselves.

After over 20 years without speedway in Leicester it’s set to return this year, what role have you played in that? Francine, Market HarboroughIt will be 28 years when we reopen the doors and my involvement with helping to bring speedway back to the city was quite coincidental. I’d recently finished a development

2525

project with Leicester City Council for a Leisure Facility. Following my cycling career I really got into sports architecture as I studied architecture whilst I was cycling. I had a client interested in building some sport facilities in Leicester and we discussed the idea of building a sports village. I suggested a speedway stadium and to my surprise he was quite amenable to the idea.

Coincidentally, around the same time, I bumped into the then Chairman of the Leicester Speedway Supporters Club and what seemed like something of a madcap idea very quickly grew to providing Leicester City Council with a feasibility study of leasing this area of land in Beaumont Leys to build a sport village.

Obviously the momentum has built from that to when the planning application went in. The whole thing was extremely well supported by the supporters club, local residents and the council themselves. As time moves on it has been clear that speedway has really captured the public’s imagination.

Has the hunger for speedway in Leicester surprised you?Joe, via emailYes it has. I was never surprised that there would be a core of traditional supporters who wanted it back. But, the sheer excitement and passion it has generated has been enormous. A whole generation of people, probably the lower side of 40 have never experienced speedway in the city and that’s really our captive market. We want to ensure that the two generations that have missed speedway will get the benefit now it’s coming back.

How is the stadium development coming along?Bev, LeicesterIt’s hard work but we’re getting there, working on the project seven days a week. I’m hoping that the track and the safety fence will be finished very shortly and we’re hoping that our riders will soon be able to train on the track to get used to the size, shape and speed. We’re working to a deadline of March 26th and we’re on target.

Are you pleased with the riders you’ve managed to sign up?Tim, MeltonWe’ve signed all of our riders now and they come from a nice variety of nationalities. We’ve got two Russians, two Australians, two Englishmen and a Dane. It’s a very exciting side that will hopefully let us move on and compete at the higher end of the league.

What is your long-term vision for Leicester Lions?Graeme, Nuneaton We’re starting in the middle tier of the sport and we want to get our business in a position where we can get to the top tier, with all the benefits that come with the TV exposure, having the best riders in the world on our track and being able to build a nice, sustainable business that also supports the local community. We want to engage with young people who not only want to watch the sport but actually become actively involved in it. At the moment young people who are interested in motorcycles or motorsport don’t have a great release in the city for that.

We deliberately built the track and the facilities to FIM standard, the international governing body of motorsport, so we are really keen to promote events that are a lot wider than Leicester Lions. Hopefully one day we can host a World Cup qualifying round and other events, and we’ve built a stadium to accommodate that.

To find out who our ICON will be for issue thirteen, released this summer, visit our website www.soarmagazine.co.uk


• If you are a full motorcycle licence holder, no matter what level of experience or size or type of bike you ride, you can benefit from the scheme

• No need to take a test or even any training if your skills are assessed as satisfactory

• Earn discounts on your insurance as a result

The ENhaNcEd RideR Scheme

how good a rider are you?

Find out and get your skills checked with…

To find your nearest approved trainer visit our website at:

direct.gov.uk/ers or call:

0115 936 6546

27

soarhealth



SPECIAL OFFER£30 FOR A 30 DAY PASS

59 Friar Lane | Leicester | LE1 5RBBIKRAM’S YOGA COLLEGE OF INDIA

Check out our website for details of class times

www.bikramyogaleicester.co.ukCall 0116 261 9262 or email [email protected]

Do you have back pain?

Do you love sports but suffer from injuries?

Do you have reduced mobility?

Do you want to improve your flexibility?

29

Bikram YogaSports professionals’ best-kept training secret

And if it’s good enough for John McEnroe, David Beckham, Andy Murray and Serena Williams, we’d hazard a guess that it could be good for everyone with an interest in sport and fitness – and that means you!

We’re talking 26 postures, 90 minutes, 110 degrees of heat and more sweat than you can shake a soggy towel at.

Devised in 1974 by its creator, four-times world yoga champion and world-class weight-lifter, Bikram Choudhury, this yoga workout flushes out toxins and can help lessen or eradicate the effects of conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, chronic fatigue, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome and joint and postural problems. It also helps to calm the mind, deal with stress and sub-consciously encourages healthier eating.

A relatively-thin spread of studios across the UK adds to the exclusivity of this powerful detox of mind and body. All 400 regular Leicester students who attend classes three, four or more times each week know they’re fortunate to have a studio on

Not so long ago, the mere suggestion of a muscle-bound, testosterone-charged sports pro taking up yoga would have met with locker room laughter. But over the years, sporting heroes at the top of their game have turned to one particularly demanding form of yoga to stay at peak performance.

their doorstep. But it’s not unusual for die-hard Bikram addicts to travel in from Nottingham and Milton Keynes.

Classes are attended by roughly 40 per cent men. It’s certainly not for ladies who lunch and then take in a Pilates session in full make-up. Make no mistake. It’s hard, it’s challenging and it’s highly addictive.

Join in one of the 19 weekly classes at Leicester’s Friar Lane studio, and you’ll probably find yourself rubbing sweaty shoulders with players from Leicester Tigers, Leicester City or the county cricket team.

The main attraction for these sports pros is either a speedier

recovery from existing injury (knees and hamstrings being the most common), or an insurance policy against further injury by allowing greater strength and flexibility of ligaments and tendons.

Add to that a discipline you won’t find at the gym (only drinking water at set points in the class, no talking in the studio, no wiping the sweat), and it’s a no-brainer for those whose livelihoods depend on physical resilience and consistency.

Tennis ace John McEnroe credits Bikram yoga with adding six years to his career, and basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar extended his career from age 37 to 42, a rare feat he says was only made possible by this unique form of hot yoga.

Aren’t you even just a little bit tempted to discover what this all-round exercise regime can do for you?

Call the studio today on 0116 261 9262, or log on to www.bikramyogaleicester.co.uk for the class schedule and more information.

31

FRIDAY 8TH JULY 2011The Leicester-Shire & Rutland Parallel Youth Games is a multi-sport competitive event for young disabled athletes at Loughborough University’s world class sports facilities. The games this year will also host our Playground 2 Podium County Athlete Assessment Day, to identify our most talented athletes.

The event is open to all disabled young people across Leicestershire, Leicester City and Rutland aged between 8 and 19-years-old and offers both competitive opportunities at participation level and talent identification through the National Governing Bodies of Sport county assessment process.

At this year’s Parallel Youth Games, there will be Football, Table Tennis, Wheelchair Basketball, Swimming and much more!

SUNDAY 10TH JULY 2011The Leicester-Shire & Rutland Youth Games is a multi-sport competitive event at Loughborough University’s world class sports facilities.

The event is open to all young people across Leicestershire, Leicester City and Rutland aged between 8 and 16-years-old and is aimed at those young people participating below county standard.

Representative teams are made up from the 9 districts in our region. At this year’s Youth Games, there will be Athletics, Basketball, Gymnastics, Indoor Rowing, Tag Rugby and much more!

HOW TO GET INVOLVED!If you are interested in being involved in this year’s Parallel Youth Games or Youth Games then visit www.lrsport.org.uk/2011youthgames


Dean Hodgkin was voted Best International Fitness Presenter

at the One Body awards in New York and is a former three-time world karate champion. For more hints and tips on fitness checkout his range of workout DVDs at www.deanhodgkin.com

BACK ON TRACKAlthough right up there

with the honeycomb as a masterpiece of engineering

design, our spines have struggled to cope with the transition from all fours, into hunting, and finally into today’s comparatively sedentary lifestyle.

Accounting for a quarter of the UK’s sick-leave, a worrying four out of five, including a startling one in ten teenagers, will be plagued by backache.

Here are some simple core exercises you can do at home that will strengthen the deeper, postural muscles and lend stability to the spine, helping to keep you healthy.

Lean TimesFrom an extended kneeling position, take one leg out straight to the side and lean in the other direction with the hands by the sides. Focus on keeping the abs tight throughout, pulling your navel towards your spine. To increase the intensity take one or both arms reaching overhead. As strength develops, try holding a dumbbell in your hands.

Working The PlankLying flat on your front on an exercise mat or towel, tuck elbows under your chest, feet under so balls of toes are in contact with the floor. Firstly, squeeze the shoulder blades back and down, lifting the chest off the forearms. Now pull the tummy off the floor. Finally, using the large muscles of the lower body, lift the legs up so only the forearms and balls of feet are now in contact with the floor. Maintain the position for as long as is comfortable and aim to increase the time you can do this before the body begins to shake.

Cat StretchAssume all fours position, hands directly under shoulder, knees directly under hips. Without moving the line of the arms or legs, slowly contract the abdominal muscles aiming to hunch the back, lower spine shifting upwards. Hold for a second at maximum height then slowly release and lower the spine to exaggerate the lumber curve.

Roll With ItLie on an exercise mat, or towel, on your back with your head in a neutral position so as not to stress the cervical vertebrae. Lift one knee and then the other to your chest, heels down by bum. Keeping your lower back in contact with the floor, wrap the arms around the legs and pull the thighs in towards the chest and hold for 15 seconds.

Let’s Twist AgainAgain, flat on your back, knees to chest but this time arms out at side. Slowly lower both knees to the left side and simultaneously take the left arm to meet the right and look right. Hold for 15 seconds, return to middle position, then repeat on opposite side.

33

“Lifestyle Lite has been really important to

New Parks and the other centres. We’ve had

between 250 and 300 inductions and signed

up over a hundred people. A high proportion

of that interest has come after people have

tried Lifestyle Lite. It has helped to bring

the facilities to the community.”

Chris Kilby, New Parks Leisure Centre

Facility Manager

THE LITER SIDE

OF LIFE…


LIFESTYLELITE

Leicester City Council’s Lifestyle Fitness Lite promotion means that, for just £10 a month, people can use the fitness suite facilities at three of the City Council’s leisure centres; New Parks Leisure Centre, Spence Street Sports Centre and Cossington Street Sports Centre.

For a further £5 visitors can also enjoy unlimited use of the swimming pools at all three venues.

Fitness suites at each location have been recently refurbished and

either the £10 or £15 option allows unlimited access of the facilities.

All of the Lifestyle Fitness suites, including the three venues featured in the Lifestyle Lite offer, have both cardiovascular and resistance equipment.

Chris Kilby, Facility Manager of New Parks Leisure Centre, has certainly seen a positive impact since Lifestyle Lite was introduced.

“It’s been really important to New Parks and the other centres as well. The gym usage just for this January

compared with last January has gone up tenfold at least. We’ve had probably between 250 and 300 inductions and signed up over a hundred new people and others who want to pay for the year up front, and a high proportion of that interest has come after people have tried Lifestyle Lite.

“There’s a knock on effect as well, as people use the gym and then they want to use the pool or the bar or get involved with the classes we do, so Lifestyle Lite has helped to bring the facilities to the community as well as bringing people into the centre.”

35

KEY FACILITIES… Spence Street• 25 metre pool which dates back to the 1800s• Female only swimming sessions with female lifeguards• 14 station fitness suite with a free weight area

Cossington Street• 30 metre swimming pool• Adults only swimming sessions• Refurbished fitness suite

New Parks• Adult and training pools• Band resistance equipment in the fitness suite• New cardio gym equipment

For more information on any of the city’s leisure centres visit www.leicester.gov.uk/sports

Testimonials…“The Lifestyle Lite offer tempted me to try my local leisure centre in New Parks. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the gym equipment and the price has meant that I’ve been able to afford to exercise regularly in nice surroundings.” Gavin

“I love swimming so to pay £15 a month to use the pool as much as I’ve been able to is great value. I’ve used both the Cossington Street and Spence Street pools as one is handy for where I live and the other is just around the corner from work.” Jenny

“I’ve always been put off going to gyms, thinking they’d be full of body builders, but that’s not been the case since

I’ve started training at New Parks, using the Lifestyle Lite offer. The gym is always busy and the equipment is fantastic, plus there’s always a nice atmosphere.” Chetan

37

Leicestershire HIV Testing Sites:

LASSLeicester Royal Infirmary GU Medicine ClinicLoughborough General Hospital Sexual Health Clinicor ask your GP.For more information: www.lass.org.uk

“I don’t know if I have HIV or not”

“Now I can move on”

Confidential, rapid HIV testing

No se si tengo VIH o no

J’ignore si j’ le SIDA ou pas

Ha mama nanga Nayebi te soki naza na bokono ya SIDA

Angazi kumbe ngilegcikwane (HIV). kumbe angila

Isn’t it better to know?


Lost for Words...

People often struggle to break down smoking related myths either because they aren’t

aware of the facts or don’t know how to convey them effectively.

Staff who work in the NHS and Councils across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland organised a recent conference and invited representatives from various agencies across the county, to discuss different approaches to reduce the harms of tobacco. The event, called ‘Lost for Words’ was held at the Highpoint

Conference Centre in Leicester. Delegates attended from a wide range of organisations including the Sure Start Children’s Centres, the Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service and people from community and hospital health services. The main aim of the day was to provide simple and easy to remember facts to use when debating tobacco related issues.

Hilary WareingCo-Director of the Tobacco Control Collaborating Centre“We work nationally supporting the Tobacco Control

workforce to work more effectively, particularly around certain areas, like mental health, smoking in pregnancy and with young people.

“I look after a team of Environmental Health Officers dealing with commercial premises and we make sure that they comply with the smoke free legislation, both in terms of signage and ensuring that enclosed areas are smoke free. We

Govind Mandora Health and Safety Department, Leicester City Council

visit premises, inspect them and investigate complaints from the public.

“We’ve got an issue with sheesha water pipes which are on the increase in Leicester with sheesha cafés coming to the fore. We are looking to

get the message out that sheesha isn’t a healthy alternative to smoking.”

“Today, we’ve talked about the role of the state in helping us change behaviour, particularly from the perspective of the new coalition government. Also, we’ve been talking about being more innovative to help people stop smoking. We’re trying to look at how people live and be more supportive.

“A lot of people here today don’t work in the Stop Smoking Service, they’re working in Sure Start Centres, or perhaps in maternity services and hospitals, and we’re talking to them about how they can encourage people to stop smoking.”

39

“I cover all aspects of health from cradle to grave and smoking is a

massive determinant of ill health in the Blaby District. I run promotional campaigns throughout the year and two stop smoking clinics.

Victoria Smith Health Improvement Officer, Blaby District Council

“This event has been really useful, such as hearing from Hilary from the Tobacco Control Collaborating Centre about what they’re doing, especially when hearing about the different ways Nicotine Replacement Therapy can be used and how versatile it is.

“It’s interesting to hear about the misconceptions around smoking. When you’re trying to help someone stop you get a lot of people saying things like they know someone who smoked until they were 90 and they’re fine.”

“My remit covers a broad spectrum but one of the major issues is that 42.3% of people in Saffron smoke, which is amongst the highest rates in Leicester and we are trying various different ways of dealing with it but doing it through the volunteer programme works the best. We’ve only just started but we’ve got a band of about 15

Karen Pickering Community Health Development Coordinator for the Saffron area, NHS Leicester City

volunteers who we’ve trained to work in the local community.

“In the conference, people have been discussing concentrating services to where they are needed. In my experience in recent years that doesn’t always happen because people are quite guarded and smoking cessation is a

controversial topic.

“The use of illicit tobacco – smuggled and counterfeit – is important to understand. People are smoking cheap cigarettes that contain all sorts of stuff, not just the 4,000 chemicals in regular cigarettes but floor-sweepings and worse.”

“As a commissioning organisation we look at services across Leicestershire, taking a lead from national strategy. We then ensure we commission for the needs of the population, so our role is very much about assessing need, and where the problem areas are, both geographically and demographically. It’s about targeting services appropriately and making

Lauren Ahyow Specialist Registrar in Public Health, NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland

sure people have access to them.

“It’s not just about stopping smoking, tackling tobacco is about prevention as well, so we partner with Healthy Schools, Trading Standards and other organisations to bring together a comprehensive programme of work, which is focused around preventing young people from starting smoking.

“We want to support communities through policy and legislation. This event brings representatives from all of the areas together. We do many different jobs but one of the things we’re passionate about is ensuring that preventable deaths and diseases are reduced.”

Leicester CityNHS

HELPING LEICESTER STOP SMOKING

01162954141 STOP!

For more information please visit our dedicated STOP! Smoking web page at... www.soarmagazine.co.uk/stopsmoking

If you want to find out what’s available locally, either for yourself, if you want to stop smoking, or for free training at work on how your team can help to reduce smoking

rates in Leicester, call the STOP! team on 0116 295 4141.


Based on St Oswalds Road, New Parks Leisure Centre is an extremely busy facility that is widely used by the local community. Full of character and with a welcoming environment, the Leicester City Council venue boasts a fully-fitted fitness suite and a state of the art all-weather astroturf football pitch.

New Parks also has two swimming pools; one smaller training pool and one larger sized pool. Local schools visit the venue for lessons during the day in-between public swimming sessions.

As well as children’s lessons, adults and teenagers can also learn to swim at New Parks and over 600 adults are currently having lessons at the facility. Early morning swims scheduled before people go to work have proved popular and the public can also use the pool at lunchtime and in the evenings.

New Gym for New ParksA fantastic new gym facility has recently been unveiled at the centre, which has been refurbished and filled with high quality cardiovascular equipment like treadmills, exercise bikes and rowing machines.

With plenty of windows and flat screen televisions, the fitness suite has a modern and clean feel to it, making it more attractive to the public. Facility Manager, Chris Kilby, is delighted with the new gym and is

Refurbished, Revitalised and Ready for Action

pleased that it has been so well-received by new and old members. “The new fitness suite has really revitalised the leisure centre. Whatever time of day I come into the gym, it’s always busy. It’s great to see such high quality equipment but it’s even better seeing people from the local community getting so much from it.

“All the CV kit gets used, it’s busy in the mornings and in the evenings and we have a steady stream of people using the fitness suite throughout the day. We’ve got a nice spread of usage and it’s been amazing for the centre.”

The centre has five squash courts which are regularly used by members, and local clubs and societies. The facility used to primarily be used for squash and still proves a popular venue for the sport. It has more courts than any of the other City Council facilities and is one of only two leisure centres to host squash, the other being Leicester Leys.

41

Visitors have plenty of options when it comes to usage and paying for the facilities, as Chris explained.

“There are direct debit and casual usage options so people can come along and try the 30 minute induction for free and then sign up if they want to. We have gym instructors who can set programmes for losing weight, toning muscle and improving general fitness.”

And what would Chris’ message be to the people of New Parks and surrounding areas like Groby and Glenfield, who are yet to sample the Leisure Centre?

“Come down and try the gym. For the price it’s well worth trying and the equipment we’ve got is excellent. It’s a gym for improving your fitness and toning up your muscles.

“A lot of local people still don’t know we’re here and they have no idea about the quality of the equipment we have in the fitness suite. We’ve also got the pool, the squash courts and a fantastic astroturf pitch and all of these facilities can be used by the people of New Parks and that’s what we want.”

Cardio RehabA number of classes take place at the leisure centre including a cardio rehab fitness session for people who have suffered heart and respiratory problems. A whole room is set aside for this and the GP referrals scheme that has proved so successful at other City Council facilities. People at the classes are given advice and given fitness programmes to follow.

Football Investment As part of Leicester City Council’s Football Investment Project, part of the New College Playing fields at the back of New Parks Leisure Centre have been transformed into a top quality all-weather astroturf surface which is accompanied by a superb new pavilion.

New College has access to the facility during the school week and local clubs, like Allexton and New Parks Football Club, who have youth teams at a number of age groups, use the pavilion for weekend matches and utilise the astroturf pitch during adverse weather conditions. Work on the

For more information on any of the city’s leisure centres visit www.leicester.gov.uk.sportsTo join New Parks Leisure Centre call 0116 233 3080

Key Facilities...• 5 squash courts

• Fully refurbished fitness suite

• Floodlit astroturf football pitch

• Main and training swimming pool

• One of three facilities to host the Lifestyle Lite offer

“The new fitness suite has really revitalised the leisure centre. It’s great seeing people from the local community getting so much from it.”

Chris Kilby, Facility Manager

development was completed in July last year with an estimated £1.6m spent on the pitch and pavilion.

The pitches are available for hire for other local clubs at a discounted price and to the public. The whole full-size pitch can be used separated into quarter or half pitches for smaller sided games or training.

www.soarmagazine.co.uk Improving lives for people with sight loss

www.vistablind.org.uk

Do you have time to share?

Vista is looking for volunteers for 3-5 hours a week to help

with its social and activity groups for blind and partially sighted

people in Leicester and Leicestershire.

The role includes:

• Serving refreshments

• Helping with activities such as arts and crafts projects and gentle exercise sessions

• Befriending group members

Many of the people with a sight loss

who attend the groups are very isolated

and do not have any other social contact

throughout the week. This is a lovely way to make

a difference to someone’s life, make new friends and

have fun yourself.

Start making someone smile today by becoming a Valued

Vista Volunteer.

For more information on this or other volunteering opportunities at

Vista please call 0116 249 8850, email [email protected],

or alternatively visit www.vistablind.org.uk

43

Do you have time to share?

soarlifestyle

Soar Lifestyle feature interviewee and Leicester City Vice-Chairman, Aiyawatt Raksriaksorn at the launch of the club’s PR partnership with Sven Goran-Eriksson and Soar Media


Most twelve year-old boys dream of being a professional footballer and Aiyawatt ‘Top’ Raksriaksorn was no different. Yet when the final whistle blew on his childhood kickabouts, Top swapped his boots for the boardroom of King Power and pragmatically learned the ropes of business from his entrepreneurial father.

Thirteen years later and surely no-one could have predicted that those experiences would lead to Raksriaksorn Junior running a boardroom of his own, at English Championship club, Leicester City.

After the recent announcement that the father and son duo, who

FOXES DRIVEN IN TOP GEAR

own 80% of the club, have taken up the roles of Chairman and Vice-Chairman respectively, Soar Magazine secured an exclusive one-to-one interview with Aiyawatt to explore his youth, his thoughts on the Leicestershire public and his burning desire to reach the Premier League…

“I played football from the age of seven or eight and in Thailand people are completely crazy about the game. Young children, mainly boys, play football and basketball every day. We played football during breaktime, lunchtime and after school and sometimes we didn’t even bother eating!

“I’ve followed English football, especially the Premier League, for many years on Thai television. When I first went to a game, I realised the difference between a live game at the stadium and a televised game. They are incomparable and the English football atmosphere is something special.

“I couldn’t believe how much people cared for their 11 players running around the pitch. Twenty or even forty Photo: Siam Sport and King Power

45

thousand people attending games that have no meaning apart from simple pride in winning a football match? That is incredible.”

Aiyawatt’s school days were spent at Saint Gabriel College, followed by a successful entrepreneurship degree at Bangkok University. But those formative days weren’t just spent studying, as the 25-year-old self-confessed sports fanatic recalls.

“I have to say that my first notable memory was of playing football for my school team. I was always involved with sport. Recently I played polo for the national team and won a bronze medal in the 2009 Asian Games, which was an important achievement for me. To be honest, most of my favourite memories involve sport and now specifically they involve football.”

Clearly a driven individual, Top’s dedication to sport, business and life in general can be credited to his relationship with his father, Vichai, who the likeable youngster describes as a huge influence and role model.

“My father and I are very close. I have followed him in every step during my life. He has taught me how to play sport, how to do business and very importantly, how to interact with people. My parents have provided me with a great life. It is funny really that both my father and I share similar skills. We play almost every sport together, like football, basketball, table tennis, snooker, polo, everything. He was the one who brought the family together to play, which I always enjoyed.

“Now, I use sport as a way to relax away from business. My father does too and when we have the time, we like to play as much as we can. For example, playing polo recently, even just for fun, can get very competitive between us! But that is a good sign.”

Top shares his time between Leicester, London and Bangkok

and for someone so young, he shows maturity beyond his years. His meteoric success and recent increased profile, both in England and back home in Thailand, is not about to change him though. Once again, influential guidance from his father ensures he remains grounded.

“I have been involved with King Power since the age of 12. My father has worked so hard and I didn’t get to see too much of him, so every day, after school, I went to see him and he would try to teach me the rules of business and the world. So, from that, I feel that King Power has, and will always be, a huge part of my life.”

The Thai travel and retail company, based in Bangkok, has achieved unprecedented success in their home country, something that both Raksriaksorns with their business acumen are keen to replicate with Leicester City.

One huge step towards achieving their goal of Premier League

football was to entice Sven-Goran Eriksson to take over as manager of the club, following the departure of Paulo Sousa. The Swede’s inspirational work to turnaround the team’s on-field fortunes offers Aiyawatt and his family the opportunity to give something back to the Foxes faithful, with whom he has become so attached.

“I want to repay the faith that the supporters have shown in me and my family. We have said that we want to reach the Premier League and that remains the goal, as soon as possible. Leicester City’s

“I want to repay the faith that the supporters have shown in me and my family.”

Photo: Siam Sport and King Power


TOP TENHe’s the astute Thai businessman and passionate English football fan, but what do we really know about Aiyawatt ‘Top’ Raksriaksorn? Soar Magazine got the quickfire Top Ten with the Top Man…

> TV showThe Apprentice

> FilmTroy

> FoodRib-eye steak medium rare

> DrinkStill water

> Music, or Band, or ArtistNe-Yo, or Jazz sometimes

> Other Sport Polo

> Actor or Actress Heath Ledger

> Person in SportEric Cantona

> Thai Football TeamBuriram PEA

> Motto or Quote“You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore” Christopher Columbus

supporters deserve Premier League football and I believe we can make it happen.

“The fans and the people around the city have impressed me. When we arrived, it may have been difficult for people to understand why we bought the club, and perhaps they may have wondered who we were? But as time has passed, I have seen that we have been accepted. The Leicester people have been very nice to me and on occasions, when I have walked around the Highcross, people have said ‘hello’ and have thanked us for the work we are doing with the club, which is amazing for me to hear.

“I can see that the fanbase and the support of the Leicestershire public is very important to the club. The fans are very loyal, even when the club was in League One, but they kept following the team and helped them to win promotion.”

So for those who are yet to meet the club’s new Vice-Chairman, how would he describe himself?

“Ambition is something that people immediately see from me, but I am a very easy person to speak to. I am funny, if you know me and relaxed, so not always serious. I am just a normal person and when I need to work and focus I do. Leicester City is now my life and whilst I may be the Vice-Chairman, I’m also just a fan at heart.”

That sentiment will strike a chord with the City supporters, longing for a return to the top table of English football and hopefully, with a sprinkle of Thai flavour, Eriksson’s men will be too hot to handle for the rest of the Championship.

“Leicester City is now my life and whilst I may be the Vice-Chairman, I’m also just a fan at heart.”


YOUR SIGHT ISOUR VISION

Photos: Vista

49

How can Vista help you?Vista has widened its services and can now proudly offer a wide range of Community based services that are delivered by our specialist staff team and fully trained volunteers. We have developed these services to increase the level of independence for people with sight loss and give the support wanted in the local community.

We can do this by offering:

• Community Day Services• Social Groups• Activity Classes• Day Trips and Outings• A Befriending Service• A Specialist Communication and Guide Support

Service• Learning Disability Support Services• Correspondence and Administrative Support

Vista is a charity that is dedicated to improving the lives of people with sight loss in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Every year Vista provides services, support, advice and information to almost 6000 registered blind and partially sighted local people.

For more information please contact us on: 0116 2498839 – Vista Helpline or email: [email protected]

Taster SessionsVista is happy to offer you a taster session so that you can experience one of our services to decide if it’s right for you. If you want more information about the services available to you, so that you can book your taster session as soon as you are ready, please get in touch.

Improving lives for people with sight loss

www.vistablind.org.ukPhotos: Vista


F or many sports fans in Leicester, Rob Dorsett’s voice will be synonymous with

coverage of their club. Rob, who is the Midlands correspondent for Sky Sports News, has been breaking sports news across the region for a decade, previously working for BBC East Midlands Today.

Rob, who lives in Melton, has been based in the midlands for a number of years, as he explained.

“I grew up in Burton on Trent before moving to Lincoln and ending up at university in Birmingham. I did an English degree and also an HNC in Radio Broadcasting. I worked on a student newspaper and freelanced as much as possible. My wife is from Nottingham so I came over to the East Midlands when I got the BBC East Midlands Today presenting job in 2001.”

After starting in newspapers, creating an impressive portfolio of printed work, Rob’s big break came after winning a Young Sports Journalist of the Year Award.

“I won The Independent’s Young Sports Journalist of the Year competition and the prize was to go to a place called Fukuoka - which you have to say carefully - in Japan to report on the World Student Games. I had three weeks there and had ten articles published in The Independent.”

Dorsett learned on the job after taking a role at the BBC and is thankful for the help and assistance of one of his colleagues.

“I always wanted to be a sports reporter. I decided I wanted to play in the World Cup and if I wasn’t good enough to do that, the next best thing would be to report on it. I contacted the BBC at Birmingham and Tim

BREAKING NEWS: DORSETT TO RUN MARATHON / BREAKING NEWS: DORSETT TO RUN MARATHON / BREAKING NEWS: DORSETT TO RUN MARATHON / BREAKING NEWS: DORSETT TO RUN MARATHON / BREAKING NEWS: DORSETT TO

Beech took me under his wing. I started with off-air match reports which was a great grounding.”

Whilst football is Rob’s first love, he has plenty of passion for all sports.

“I played semi-professional football and I wanted to be a professional, but I love every sport. I’ve covered the Olympics in Athens for the BBC. We were working 16, 17 hour days and then going to watch some of the events, which was brilliant and I’m a sport nut really.”

So, in Rob’s view, what are the differences between working for a broadcasting institution like the BBC and breaking the news with Sky Sports?

“The BBC has a worldwide reputation as the market leader for news and sport. When I moved to Sky it felt a lot newer, a lot fresher and whilst it didn’t have the history and tradition, it has the resources, the determination

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT

51

and the professionalism to take it onto that next level. We’ve got eight satellite trucks which means we can be live everywhere. Not many media organisations can afford to have a reporter standing outside a training ground for 14 hours in the hope that a famous footballer might turn up and sign, but that’s what we do.”

Breaking the exclusive stories is what keeps Rob motivated and there have been many highlights in recent years.

“You always get a buzz when you hear that a manager’s got a job. I was the first to break that Gary Megson got the Leicester job. I knew Milan Mandaric very well and got the word. When Ricardo Fuller slapped his team-mate Andy Griffin on the pitch for Stoke a couple of years ago we got an exclusive with Ricardo. He was very candid and didn’t know if he had a future at the club.

“I got an exclusive with James Milner the day he left Aston Villa. He was heading to Manchester City and told me that he didn’t really want to leave. He was quite upset when he left the training ground. I think they’re the things you don’t see in sport, the human angles. I’ve interviewed Sir

Alex Ferguson a few times and he’s very good. He’s very thoughtful about what he says.”

After questioning some of the best sportsmen and women in the country, Rob’s favourite interview remains one he carried out with a Leicester City legend.

“One of most inspirational people I’ve interviewed is Martin O’Neill. I used to get on with Martin brilliantly and we did some of the first interviews with him when he got the Villa job. Big names are fascinating away from the cameras and Martin O’Neill is possibly the most intelligent man in football, he’s an amazing guy.”

With the 24-7, demanding nature of his job, Rob admits that finding time for his family is challenging.

“It is tough. I’m married and I have three kids. My wife has to be pretty understanding when I get home at 7pm and the phone goes and I’ve got to rush out because David Bentley might be turning up at Birmingham City. It is tough on the family but they understand, they’re very supportive and they know how much I enjoy it.”

With time at a premium, Rob is struggling to fit in training for April’s London Marathon, a challenge he is taking on to raise money for the Rainforest Foundation.

“Finding time to train is the biggest battle, that and fundraising. I’ve got to raise £2,500 and it’s been hanging over my head for months. Rainforest Rescue is Sky’s charity and in conjunction with the World Wildlife Fund we’re trying to save a billion trees in the Amazon.

“The training is hard. I’m supposed to be running at least four, probably five times a week and I’m running 18 and a half miles now, which nearly killed me the other day. I’m training early in the morning or late at night in the dark. As long as I can get round, the target is to beat four hours.”

To support Rob’s London Marathon challenge visit www.justgiving.com/Rob-Dorsett

BREAKING NEWS: DORSETT TO RUN MARATHON / BREAKING NEWS: DORSETT TO RUN MARATHON / BREAKING NEWS: DORSETT TO RUN MARATHON / BREAKING NEWS: DORSETT TO RUN MARATHON / BREAKING NEWS: DORSETT TO

MARATHON

MAN

“Martin O’Neill is possibly the most intelligent man in football,

he’s an amazing guy.”

53

Helping Leicestershire SMEs unlock their potential

Have you ever thought about selling to the Public Sector?

If you are a small business in the County of Leicestershire, you can receive support and advice to help you better understand the process and requirements of supplying to the Public Sector.

Who can join the programme?> Small and medium enterprises with less than 250 employees> Businesses based in the County of Leicestershire only

Why should I sign up?The Scheme is free and offers businesses in depth support. By joining this initiative you will have access to specialists who will help you:

1) Learn where to find local opportunities

2) 1-2-1 specialist procurement support and tailored workshops

3) Develop your business and enter new markets

For more informationTel : (0116) 252 8624Email: [email protected]

For further advice visitwww.businesslink.gov.uk/eastmidlandsor call 0845 058 6644

Commissioned by

Selling to the Public Sector


THE REVOLUTION WILL BE

Sam Blower, an HND student at South Leicestershire College, has already enjoyed extensive filming experience with Soar TV, both on location within the county’s major sports clubs, and in the studio, as he explained.

“Working on Soar TV has been a really exciting and positive experience. Being able to get a good

Soar TV, launching in March 2011, is a free online television network, forged through a unique partnership between South Leicestershire College and Soar Media, offering SLC students the opportunity to work within the media industry and widen their skills and portfolio.

taste of working in the studio, with media professionals who know the industry has been great for me.

“As a Leicester City supporter, one of the highlights was being at the Foxes training ground and filming training action and one-to-one interviews. I also felt very privileged to meet Leicester City manager, Sven-Goran Eriksson.”

The first videos to hit the screen will feature Leicester City star Paul Gallagher, Tigers aces Ben Youngs and Alesana Tuilagi and the Riders’ Rob Paternostro, Ryan Zamroz and JR Blount, amongst many others.

South Leicestershire College’s Interim Principal, Matt Pinches, said: “SLC is about preparing an individual for their next step in life, whilst achieving creditable results, an enjoyable experience, and varied education.”

For more information on South Leicestershire College and their wide array of courses visit www.slcollege.ac.uk

TELEVISED

55

Launching March!Leicester’s premier online television networkSoarTV.co.uk is the product of a unique partnership

between marketing agency, Soar Media, and innovative

education providers, South Leicestershire College. This

development mirrors the established Soar Magazine, by now

providing exclusive Leicester focused video content.

• Interviews

•Features

•Behind the Scenes

•Match Highlights

•Press Conferences

Watch Online...

Visit www.soartv.co.uk to register your email address to be notified of the launch and latest updates.

Be part of it... To join Leicester’s media revolution contact [email protected] to find out more.

57

For the launch of Soar Magazine’s focus on the best bars and finest restaurants in the region we munched and supped our way through some of Leicester’s leading city locations, with profiles on Chutney Ivy, Lanna Thai and Taste of India, alongside Colourworks, 1573, The Interlude and the DBA.

soarsocialLeicester Bars and Restaurants Focus


Chutney Ivy

Lanna Thai

“…contemporary dining space, combined with traditional Indian hospitality…”

LOCATION41 Halford Street, Leicester, LE1 1TR

CONTACT0116 251 1889 www.chutneyivy.com

CUISINEThai

LOCATION80 Rutland Street Leicester LE1 1SB

OPENING TIMESLunchMonday - Sunday12.00pm - 3.00pm

DinnerMonday - Saturday6.00pm - 11.00pmSunday5.00pm - 10.00pm

CONTACT07878 322 494

“This really is a 5-star restaurant. Fantastic food, fantastic atmosphere,

fantastic service. Lanna Thai is 5-star fantastic.”Sven-Goran Eriksson

soarsocial

“The Lanna Thai Restaurant is an exciting new addition to the

Leicester scene, situated on the ground and upper floor of The

Leather Factors an award winning iconic building, next to the Curve

Theatre. The interior is a stunning relaxing mix of Thai Orchids with

some of the finest Thai Cuisine outside Bangkok.”

Peter Banks, Owner

Located within the centre of Leicester

and in the heart of the cultural quarter,

Chutney Ivy Restaurant & Bar is a new

and welcoming Indian restaurant that

has already got people talking.

The restaurant team will be pleased

to welcome you to this stylish venue,

which has recently been redecorated

to create a smart and contemporary

dining space, combined with traditional

Indian hospitality. The team is led by

Shaf Islam, who has over 20 years’

experience in the restaurant trade,

something which has earned him a

reputation for outstanding service and

hospitality.

The stylish and spacious lounge

bar located downstairs is available

for private hire. It is the ideal venue

for private parties for that special

occasion or corporate events.

The food menu is a fusion of old and

new, featuring tastes from all over

the subcontinent, including dishes

from the Bengal, Hyderabad and

Goa. All dishes are created using

fresh ingredients and precise cooking

methods – achieving optimum flavour.

Popular Indian favourites sit on the

varied menu beside some of the head

chef’s own creations. Choose from

the shikaar tikka menu – meaning

‘food of the hunt’ – which features

exotic meats including kangaroo,

ostrich and venison. Alternatively, if

you can’t decide on a dish, opt for the

Chutney Ivy feast menu, which offers

a variety of dishes, including four

starters and main.

As an added bonus, guests can

benefit from reduced/free NCP

parking.

59

Taste of IndiaAfter being greeted with the warmest of welcomes by proprietor,

Washid, Soar Magazine enjoyed an exclusive sumptuous tasting

session, in the contemporary surrounding of the Taste of India

restaurant, in Evington.

With sizzling cuisine, including a Tikka Platter Speciality starter, followed by a

selection of Noorjahan, Chicken Tikka Bhuna Masala and a succulent tender

Lamb Shank, accompanied by Peshwari and Garlic Naans and Pilau Rice, our

creative bodies were stuffed and content.

Taste of India is a jewel waiting to be discovered on the outskirts of the city,

offering an authentic, affordable and mouth-watering gastronomy experience.

CUISINEIndian

LOCATION42 Main Street, Evington, Leicester, LE5 6DN

OPENING TIMES5.30pm – 11.30pm, seven days a week

CONTACT0116 249 00060116 273 8282

On Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday

BUY ONE MAIN MEAL, GET ONE FREE OR 20% OFF THE BILL!

42 MAIN ST, EVINGTON, LEICESTER LE5 6DN

Tel: 0116 249 0006 0116 273 8282

20% OFFEXCLUSIVE


AWARD WINING PUB / RESTAURANT& PREMIER ACCOMMODATION

The Dunton Bassett Arms

9 Bennetts Hill, Dunton Bassett, Leics, LE17 5JJ | Tel: 01455 209 786 - 07980 603 214

Celebrate the climax to the rugby

• Warm, Friendly Atmosphere

• HUGE Selection of Fine Wines

• Fantastic Chinese Restaurant

• Premier Accommodation

• Superb Sunday Carvery

Set in the heart of rural South

Leicestershire, the Dunton Bassett Arms

is a warm and welcoming pub, with log

fires and real ales. Accompanied by an

extensive fine wine list, the fantastic

contemporary restaurant and premier

accommodation offers an exceptional

experience.

TRADITIONAL SUNDAY CARVERY SERVED 12 - 4PM

WWW.DUNTONBASSETTARMS.CO.UK

season at the fantastic DBA!

61

• Warm, Friendly Atmosphere

• HUGE Selection of Fine Wines

• Fantastic Chinese Restaurant

• Premier Accommodation

• Superb Sunday Carvery

TRADITIONAL SUNDAY CARVERY SERVED 12 - 4PM

WWW.DUNTONBASSETTARMS.CO.UK

season at the fantastic DBA!


Words by Jon Reeves

with Alesana Tuilagithe soarpoint

Featuring Manu Tuilagi

63

soarpointLeicester Tigers star Alesana Tuilagi is one of the most instantly recognisable and physically intimidating players in the Aviva Premiership.

The six foot one inch winger patrols the flank with menace and intent and once in full flow, the ‘Samoan Bulldozer’ is almost unstoppable.

The 30-year-old is one of six brothers to have played professional rugby and all of his siblings have been part of the Tigers setup over the years, as arguably the most successful family in sport continue to put their stamp all over the game...

‘Alex’, who grew up in the Pacific Island of Samoa, where rugby is a way of life, has starred for Tigers in recent seasons, starting in seven of the team’s eight finals since 2006/07, including a Man of the Match performance in the Guinness Premiership final victory over Gloucester in 2007.

Quite simply, the Tuilagi’s have rugby in their DNA and there is no sign of their influence waning with Alex’s younger brother, Manu, coming to prominence at Welford Road this season.

Jon Reeves: Alesana, tell us about your memories of growing up in Samoa, how you got into rugby and the competition between you and your brothers? Alesana Tuilagi: I first started playing when I was young, about five-years-old, and started school. My older brother Freddie was a big influence. He was the first in the family to play for Samoa and we all tried to become players and represent our country, and we all managed to get into professional rugby. We always played competitively and hard.

It’s the main sport back home in Samoa and everybody wants to be a Samoan international. Once you make the international team that’s where your rugby career develops from.

JR: After impressing for Samoa, you were snapped up by Italian side Parma. Tell us about how that move came about…AT: When I first got in to the international side I got a contract in Italy for two years and that’s where I started to improve my rugby before I ended up coming to Leicester. It’s really good to be here, it’s a big club in Europe and that’s where most people want to play their rugby.

The differences in Europe are the weather and the language, which was pretty hard for us at the time. Now we are getting used to it and that’s helped me play some good rugby. Signing for Tigers was a very big move for me and my brothers. We’ve all played here. It’s a good

club to play for and Leicester is a good place to come to. You can learn a lot from all the experienced international players from Europe and other countries.

JR: And what have been the highlights of your Tigers career so far?AT: The big games that I’ve been involved in. Most of the European Cup fixtures, like beating Munster away and the last three Guinness Premiership finals. Those are the games that you always look back and think about. I’ve been lucky to have had the chance to play for such a good team.

JR: Have you been pleased with the team’s displays and your own form this season? AT: If you play well that comes from the team. When you play well, the team plays well and it always puts you on the front foot in the game. It’s a different spirit we have at the moment, we are playing strongly and hopefully we can keep doing that. I’m enjoying my rugby, I’ve played most of the games this season and we’re coming to the mid-season now and still going well, so I’m really happy.

Photo: Tiger Images


JR: Your younger brother, Manu, is now starting games for the first-team. What’s it like playing alongside him? AT: It’s really good to have some of your family around you in the game, someone who does the same things you do and I can see that he’s always on the front foot and trying to do the same for the team. I am really happy to see what he’s achieved. He’s moving up to another level now, so hopefully he can keep learning and going forward.

JR: Did it take a bit of time to adjust to seeing your brother in the white of England?AT: It is strange to go and watch one of your family playing for another country but at the same time it’s a good feeling. What he’s done has made all of the family proud because he’s moving to another level of rugby and representing another country, which is something new for us. It’s not only about where we come from, it’s about doing something to your best.

JR: You’ve played international rugby for Samoa and appeared at a World Cup. Can you describe the honour of representing your country? AT: It’s a great feeling playing for your country if you’re lucky enough to get that opportunity. There are loads of players that want to put on that jersey, but it’s something different that you can do in your life that a lot of people can’t. It’s a really great feeling to play for your own place and your own people.

JR: Are you enjoying life off the field in Leicester? AT: I’m used to the area and the people are really good to me. I’ve been here for eight years already and I’m looking forward to staying a few years longer, as long as my career in rugby is going well, then I will be happy too.

JR: Finally Alesana, what are your ambitions for the future? AT: At the moment, I just want to keep playing until the end of my career and we’ll go from there. I’m happy to help out some teams with coaching but I have to learn more about rugby before I can do that.

I want to win more trophies and play in big games and then you can sit back at the end of your career and remember what you won against which team. Achieving those things is what’s most important for me now.

“It’s really good to have some of your family around you in the game, someone who does the same things you do.”

Photo: Tiger Images

To secure your seat for the 2011-2012 season and see Alesana in action visit www.leicestertigers.com/seasontickets

65

soarpoint

A Family Affair

Alesana’s younger brother, Manu, has made quite an impact this season, breaking into the Tigers first-team and producing some impressive performances on the wing.

The 19-year-old is relishing his taste of the action but is well aware of the fierce competition for places in the Premiership Champions’ squad.

“Back in the summer I was just looking to get a start in the Leicester first team and that’s quite hard because you’ve got guys like Dan Hipkiss, my brother Alesana on the wing and Anthony Allen at 12. But because of some injuries I’ve had an opportunity to get some starts. It’s a big step up and the standard is very high.”

Manu’s point-scoring, speedy, battling and brave displays have shown that he well and truly has the Tuilagi gene. International recognition has followed, but with the white of England and not the blue of Samoa, and the Tigers starlet sees selection for the Saxons as the next step in his development.

“Being called up to the England Saxons was a surprise, it was a real bonus. For me, it’s a massive step from the academy to the first team and then from Leicester to the Saxons. I was born in Samoa and came over at the age of 13, so

all my rugby has pretty much been learned in England. Leicester have been great for me every step of the way.”

Tuilagi is also enjoying playing in the same side as his brother.

“It is awesome to play alongside Alesana. He helps me a lot. He is there helping me along and giving me a pat on the back.”

Looking into the future, Manu is determined to establish himself as a regular in the Tigers’ first 15 but also has the World Cup in his sights.

“At the moment, I’m just focused on playing well at club level and for the Saxons. But everyone who plays rugby wants to play in a World Cup. Playing at Twickenham for England is in the back of my mind and I’d love to be able to do it. Hopefully the dream will continue.”

With both brothers currently playing a major part in Tigers’ challenge at the top of the Aviva Premiership and the team’s progression into the latter stages of the Heineken Cup, there is every chance that both the dream and the Tuilagi dynasty at Welford Road, will continue for years to come.

“It is awesome to play alongside Alesana. He helps me a lot. He is there helping me along and giving me a pat on the back.”

Photos: Tiger Images


inpictures

O n Friday February 4th, Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sport staff,

partners, and friends and family of Monica Gibbs exercised the equivalent distance from SportPark in Loughborough to the London Olympic Stadium and beyond, eventually covering 527 miles. ‘Monica’s Miles’ was a LOROS fundraiser organised in memory of Monica Gibbs, an employee at LRS who passed away on September 2nd 2010, aged just 42. Monica worked with great passion and commitment to develop sport and physical activity across the region. It is hoped that over £1,500 will be raised.

Donations are welcome at www.justgiving.com/monica-gibbs



67

“Matt and Barry at Nebuchadnezzar are the men to speak to when it comes to wine. If I’m looking to invest or just to buy some wine to drink, they never fail to come up with the goods. I’ve been using them for years and would never look elsewhere” .

Andrew Cole: Manchester United & England

Call Nebuchadnezzar Wines on 0207 288 [email protected] | [email protected] | www.nezzar.com

InvestLegendsIN

Fine wine is an asset class which, unlike many other investments, is exempt from Capital Gains Tax, as it is seen as a ‘wasting chattel’ by the Inland Revenue.

Example, Chateau Lafi te Rothschild 2003. Release price June 2004 £1,750 - Average UK price Sept 10 £11,500

80

120

160

200

240

280

320

Oct

05

Apr

06

Oct

06

Apr

07

Oct

07

Apr

08

Oct

08

Apr

09

Oct

09

Apr

10

Oct

10

Inde

x Va

lue

The Liv-ex Fine Wine 100 Index is the industry’s leading benchmark. It represents the price movement of 100 of the most sought-after fi ne wines for which there is a strong secondary market and is calculated monthly.

Source: Liv-ex.comNebuchadnezzar Wines are accredited members of Liv-Ex.

Matthew Oakley, a professional footballer for 13 years and now the captain of Leicester City,has always had a passion for wine. In 1999, after meeting Marco Pierre White’s wine buyer,Barry Skarin, they decided to unite and form Nebuchadnezzar Wines.

Soar Magazine 12

Documents

Transcript of Soar Magazine 12