The Meridian Leisure Centre Louth

The Meridian Leisure Centre, Louth, Opens Our Sporting Life Exhibition

An exhibition that is part of the build up towards largest ever exhibition of British sporting heritage to be held in London for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Our Sporting Life, a nationwide project developed by the Sports Heritage Network, is a prestigious and unique exhibition inspired by London 2012 and which celebrates Britain's remarkable sporting heritage, bringing together national and local stories.

Opening at the Meridian Leisure Centre in Louth on Tuesday 20th July 2010, the exhibition is part of a series of Our Sporting Life exhibitions taking place across the country highlighting how sport has shaped the country, its communities and people. It features the story of the UK's role in the Olympics, from its early days through to the current developments leading to the 2012 Games. Supported locally by East Lindsey District Council, the exhibition celebrates Lincolnshire's finest Olympians, and pays tribute to the Sporting Life of local sports clubs and personalities including Louth Cricket Club, Louth Golf Club, Louth Old Boys Football Club, Louth Storm Basketball Club, Louth (Dolphins) Swimming Club and Jetz Gymnastics.

The Leader of East Lindsey District Council, Councillor Doreen Stephenson, who also has the role of being the 2012 Champion for Lincolnshire, explained: "It is important we celebrate our past achievements as a District and show our communities that dreams, such as being an Olympian, can be realised. This exhibition recognizes our local talent from yesteryear and today and hopefully we will see some of those using the Meridian Leisure Centre now at the London 2010 Olympics Games."

Highlights from each exhibition will become part of the largest ever exhibition of British sporting life and heritage which is to be held in London for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Objects and stories from the nations and regions will be joined by icons and treasures from our national sports, such as the Ashes Urn, Calcutta Cup, and the football from the 1966 World Cup Final to name a few.

Our Sporting Life is funded by Museums, Libraries, Archives Council (MLA) through The People's Record and Renaissance. The exhibition's tour to Louth has been made possible through additional funding from Igniting Ambition and the Legacy Trust, and with support from East Lindsey District Council and Lincolnshire County Council.