A sporting superstar and Olympic gold medallist was at Weymouth Football Club to open its brand-new disabled facility.
The sun was shining ahead of the club's game with Worthing when the two-time decathlon gold medallist Daley Thompson opened the facility, which will allow supporters with additional needs to watch the action on the pitch from a warm, comfortable and easy-access area.
Following a short speech from the club chairman Paul Maitland, Daley cut the ribbon.
Daley was all smiles as he chatted with fans and club officials, signing autographs and posing for photos.
He said: "I think the facility is great. I think the people here will really appreciate it. These facilities are desperately needed all over the country for people with disabilities.
"I have met a few of the fans and they are all looking forward to the game and have that love of the club, which is great and infectious."
The new facility includes an HD TV, complimentary beverages, heating, and bi-fold windows for viewing when the weather is poor.
The club planned further upgrades to the facility but getting it open for the fans to enjoy was a priority.
Club chairman Paul Maitland said: "It has been a long time coming for which I do apologise.
"We are trying to be a football club at which the doors are open to everybody. Our community is for all the fans to have the experience.
"We are making progress. it is not perfect, but we are making progress.
"We are grateful for Daley coming down here for us. It is not usual to get a superstar like that down in Weymouth."
The new facility was made possible by Gareth Jones, Josh Clark, Josh Barton and Matthew Knibbs, who secured much of the material funding for the facilities five years ago with their presentation to Buildbase at Wembley Stadium.
Unfortunately, the original design given to the club didn’t meet building regulations and this left the club unable to open the facilities, financial hardship left the club with no option but to continue the use of the old facility until this summer allowed the renovation to reach practical completion.
Daley visited The Bob Lucas as a guest of honour for the match sponsors, Sperrin Law.
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