A MAJOR development of sporting facilities in Tavistock is in the pipeline, thanks to a unique new partnership announced this week. Tavistock College has joined forces with Kelly College and the town?s athletics club to provide a top quality athletics track. Each of the three partners are putting up £100,000 for the track, which will be developed on Tavistock College?s campus. The news follows the announcement earlier this year of the college?s ambitious plans for a new sports and leisure centre. The new track will be constructed alongside the centre and take the overall investment in sport and leisure in Tavistock to well over £2.3-million. Tavistock College principal Colin Eves said: ?This is fantastic news and a wonderful opportunity to develop the potential of talented athletes in West Devon and further afield, plus encourage participation in sport throughout the whole community. ?This is an equal, three-way partnership and we will all share the opportunities this facility will provide to coach and train our youngsters and other members of the community in West Devon. ?By sharing and developing our coaching expertise there is a real chance of there being local representation in the 2012 Olympics.? Mr Eves said at present, the closest athletics track was in Plymouth, or at Exeter or Braunton in North Devon. Kelly College headmaster Mark Steed said: ?The college is committed to supporting the local community. This project builds on the successful partnership with Tavistock and Okehampton Colleges to develop rugby. By pooling our resources we can help to develop participation and support higher standards for our most able athletes.? Allan Herdman, chairman of the athletics club said: ?The club has been the Devon Track and Field champions in two of the last three years and is in the lead in 2006. With these improved facilities the club will go from strength to strength.? Chris Kerwin, chairman of Plymouth and Devon schools Athletics Association, has also given his full support to the project. More than 75% of the investment required for the sporting developments at Tavistock College has already been pledged and funding is now being actively sought for the rest. Mr Eves said: ?We have a real opportunity to provide sports facilities fit for the 21st century. ?All the partners are committed to promoting healthy lifestyles and working in partnership with the local community and look forward to the fundraising efforts that will generate the additional resources needed to see the project completed.?
