As the championships approach there is no doubt in Richard's mind that he has a big team behind him - in the shape of the staff and facilities at Robin Park Arena and Sports Centre.

Sports experts at the Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust (WLCT) centre have been giving Richard the edge by helping to prepare for the big day. Richard, who hails from Ashton in Makerfield, said: "The facilities at Robin Park are fantastic in helping any sportsman or woman reach their goal and for me, the support I have received from the staff on site has been unbelievable."

Robin Park Arena manger Mike Woodruff said: "Richard follows in a long line of sports men and women who have made use of Robin Park to achieve their success. These include Commonwealth Games medallists Jenny Meadows and Susan Jones, and tennis player Jane O’Donoghue who went from Robin Park’s Recreational tennis classes through to facing Venus Williams at Wimbledon."

Mike added: "So, best of luck Richard and let’s hope we have another household name from the area in years to come!"

For more information on the facilities available at Robin Park Arena and Sports Centre visit its pages at Wigan Culture and Leisure Trust's website: www.wlct.org/Sport/rparena/rparena.htm or call the arena on 01942 404950 or the Indoor Sports Centre on 01942 828550.

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Notes to Editors

• Shotokan Karate is a form of the Japanese martial arts developed by Gichin Funakoshi in the late 19^th and early 20^th century. It was based on earlier forms of self-defence but later flourished into a sport practised by millions of people.
• For more information contact Robin Park Arena and Sports Centre manager Mike Woodruff on 01942 404957.