Christine Ohuruogu launches Hackney athletics facility

World champion 400m runner Christine Ohuruogu launched a “compact athletics facility” on Wednesday, helped by children from Stoke Newington School.

Christina Ogohuru and pupils from Stoke Newington School - Credit: Archant

The sprint straight, a long jump straight and pit, a high jump area, a heavy throws wall and a running trail around the school will provide facilities for children at the school in Clissold Road and 400 others each week, including members of the Hackney Hurricaines Athletics Club.

Hannah Bladen, head teacher Annie Gammon, Christina Ohurougu and Cllr Jonathan McShane running with staff from Stoke Newington School - Credit: Archant

Ms Ohuruogu spoke of how she hoped to see future stars of British athletics uncovered on the track, where she started the first children’s race earlier.

She said: “Visiting schools like this and inspiring the next generation is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.

“It’s an absolute pleasure to be here to open a brand new type of athletics facility, giving thousands of local kids a chance to take part in the sport that has done so much for me.

The initiative was funded by England Athletics (EA), Sport England and the London Marathon Trust.