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Knowsley
to welcome Tour of Britain’s Merseyside return
THE Tour of Britain will
return to Merseyside this September after a 3 year absence, as
Knowsley hosts a unique stage finish at the world famous Knowsley
Safari Park. Monday, 10 September 2012, will see 100 of the world’s top
cyclists racing into Knowsley for a spectacular and unique finish at
the famous Safari Park. "We’re delighted to be a part of this key sporting event. To
be welcoming so many world class sports people here is really
exciting and we promise to make this stage of the event really
memorable for everyone.
We’ve spent millions of pounds creating world class leisure
facilities in Knowsley and these sorts of events can really inspire
us all to get more involved in sport." said Sheena Ramsey, Chief Executive of Knowsley Council.
The Tour of Britain, Stage 2 will finish in the grounds of Knowsley
Safari Park. "Cycling is a very popular sport in the area and, with the new velodrome at Huyton in mind, Knowsley Safari Park is delighted to
work with Knowsley Council to raise further awareness of the sport
by hosting a stage finish of the Tour Britain. However, I suspect the
competitors on the day will have other matters on their minds as
they sprint past our herd of African elephants!" said Edward
Perry, Operations Director.
Stage 2 begins at Nottingham Castle, before embarking on a 177.8
kilometre route through Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Cheshire
before the finale to the stage in Knowsley. Mick Bennett, Tour of
Britain Race Director added that:- "Stage 2 will be one of the most iconic stages of this year’s
Tour, starting from the beautiful surrounds of Nottingham Castle and
finishing at Knowsley Safari Park, it is sure to be one to remember
for spectators. We look forward to working with both Knowsley
Council and Knowsley Safari Park over the coming months to put on
the best possible show for spectators this September."
Sports fans in the North West will be in for a treat this September,
as the Knowsley stage finish is 1 of 2 in the region, with Blackpool
holding the finale of Stage 4; 2 days later.
The Tour of Britain begins in Suffolk on Sunday 9 September, with
Stage 1 taking the race from Ipswich to the Norfolk Showground near
Norwich. Following Stage 2 riders head to Scotland, before returning
to the North West for Stage 3 from Carlisle to Blackpool.
Stoke-on-Trent, Wales and Devon hold the next 3 days of racing
before the race climaxes in Surrey on Sunday 16 September with a
challenging stage finishing in Guildford, where the winner of the IG
Markets Gold Jersey of race leader will be crowned.
More details on the Knowsley finish to Stage 2 will be announced in
the Summer.
For details of The Tour of Britain, go to:-
tourofbritain.co.uk. You can follow The Tour of
Britain on
Twitter.
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Encouraging
teenage apprenticeships
EMPLOYERS in Liverpool are
set to be offered a subsidy to fund the first 6 months salary for
teenage apprentices. A report to the city council’s Cabinet on
Friday, 27 April 2012, is recommending the creation of a Liverpool
Apprenticeship Wage Subsidy for up to 700 16 and 17 year olds in the
city classed as NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training).
The project is aimed at tackling the issue of businesses being
reluctant to offer opportunities to young people who lack relevant
qualifications or work experience and are struggling in the highly
competitive jobs market.
Councillor Nick Small, Cabinet member for employment, enterprise and
skills, said:- "We have already helped created well over 600
apprenticeships for the long term unemployed as part of our
commitment to tackling worklessness.
This project is aimed at giving opportunities to those young people
who haven’t been able to get the skills and experience to be in with
a chance of competing for a job. We have to encourage employers to
look beyond this and harness the raw potential that exists among
many of our teenagers.
It is absolutely vital we don’t end up with a lost generation of
teenagers who aren’t given the opportunity to achieve their
potential." Businesses supported by the scheme will have to demonstrate a real
commitment to providing a long term apprenticeship with real job
opportunities at the end of it.
The apprenticeships will be monitored by the city council and
Liverpool Futures (the council’s Community Interest Company
apprenticeship partner) to make sure the opportunities are of a
consistent quality and suitability.
The money will come from a combination of sources including the
National Apprenticeship Service, the Youth Contract, the European
Social Fund and existing service funding.
The national minimum wage for apprentices aged under 19 is £2.60 per
hour.
Mullally rejects contract offers at the Vikings
THE Vikings have confirm
that Anthony Mullally has rejected a number of improved and extended
contract offers. Anthony’s agent has also expressed his player’s
desire to go to the open market to test his value. The Widnes-born
forward made his first team debut in 2009 in the 88-0 Challenge
Cup-tie victory against Saddleworth Rangers, playing his part in the
biggest victory recorded in the club's history. Although this was
Anthony's only senior appearance for the Vikings at the time, he did
gain further valuable first team exposure during a successful loan
spell at Swinton in 2010 where he scored two tries in his six
appearances. Mullally also benefitted from a ground-breaking venture
by the Vikings when he spent 2011 with the Brisbane Broncos. Upon
his return from overseas, the 20 year old was rewarded with an
upgraded 1 year deal. Thus far in 2012, Mullally has made 8
substitute appearances for the Vikings. Vikings Director of Rugby
Paul Cullen said:- "We are satisfied that all efforts to
create a clear pathway to Super League and to improve and extend
Anthony’s contract have been maximised. However, we have to respect
a player’s wish to seek other offers."
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