Commonwealth Games cage installed at Croydon Arena

A new throwing cage, which was used at last year’s Commonwealth Games, has been installed at Croydon Arena. Croydon Harrier Lawrence Okoye won silver in the men’s discus in that very cage last year. 

Attending the official opening were England Athletics CEO Chris Jones, Commonwealth Games medallist Lorna Boothe MBE, four-time Olympian Donna Fraser OBE, Civic Mayor Tony Pearson, and Warren Leigh from Sport England. Internationally respected athletics photographer Mark Shearman is a Vice President of the club and was also present to photograph at the event.

Following speeches and a ribbon cutting, there was a demonstration from Croydon Harrier young athlete hammer and discus throwers. 

England Athletics CEO Chris Jones said: 

“England Athletics is delighted to be able to partner with Croydon Harriers through the implementation of this important facility project and to continue to work with and through the GLL, Croydon Council, and Sport England to ensure that our sport can continue to flourish to benefit athletes of different ages, abilities, and backgrounds moving forward.

Lawrence Okoye was unable to attend due to competition preparation but sent a video message of good wishes.

Commenting on the installation of the cage, Mike Fleet, Coaching Secretary at Croydon Harriers said: 

“We are very grateful to England Athletics for choosing Croydon Harriers as the recipient of this legacy cage. It will be instrumental in helping the next generation of throwers in the Borough and allow us to host high calibre competitions in the future.

Chris continued,

"I am sure that it will be hugely motivational, and inspirational, for throwers to be able to hone their skills using this facility, knowing that they will be following in the footsteps of 2022 Commonwealth Games and European Championship medallist Lawrence Okoye and whilst we are celebrating the opening of this important throws cage, we must also take time to recognise the invaluable contribution of the volunteer throws coaches whose skills and dedication will ensure that this facility is utilised and enjoyed by many throwers from the Croydon club and surrounding area”

This is an excerpt from the main news article on the Croydon Harriers website.

Photos by Mark Shearman