Sand arrives at Barns Elms as beach volleyball courts come to down (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Sand arrives at Barns Elms as beach volleyball courts come to down

7:40am Sunday 9th September 2012 in News

Tonnes of sand used in the Olympics has been trucked to Wandsworth to create beach volleyball courts.

The 682sq metres of sand used in Horseguard’s Parade has been carried to Barnes Elms sports complex, on Putney Common, where the new courts will open later this month.

There will be four recreational courts available that can double as two full sized international sized courts, allowing them to be used for games involving the British national team.

The courts will also be available for other beach sports such as tag rugby, beach ultimate Frisbee and footvolley.

The £45,000 cost has been met in full by a grant from Volleyball England, following a successful funding application to Sport England.

In addition, Battersea Park’s Millennium Arena is to receive a brand new Olympic standard track as well as improved long jump and pole vault facilities.

Councillor Jonathan Cook, the council's spokesman on sports and leisure, said: "The work being carried out in Battersea Park's Millennium Arena will really cement its position as one of London's finest outdoor athletics venues for track and field events.

"Meanwhile the work that's being done at Barn Elms will deliver a fantastic Olympic legacy for Wandsworth."