AN OLYMPIC athlete gave youngsters some top tips on how to stay fit and active when he paid a visit to Claines First School.
Christian Malcolm attended the school last Friday (June 27) to conclude ‘Fitness Fortnight’, which started on Monday, June 16, and was part of a Team Superschools event.
The jam-packed activities kicked-off with a flag-waving opening ceremony and sports throughout the 14 days included a relay, a climbing wall, archery, Zumba, street dancing, Tri-Golf, hula hooping and bell boating.
Year 4 pupils also paid a visit to Grand National winner Pineau De Re to watch him train.
Welsh 200-metre sprinter Malcolm gave a half hour presentation to students, before he raced against some of the school’s fastest children.
“For me things like this are very important for youngsters” he said. “That’s where it all starts, that’s where it’s all bedded in.
“Growing up as a youngster sport was key, sport helped me stay fit, stay disciplined, stay on track and has given me great opportunities.
“It’s sad to hear so many schools don’t really participate in sport or don’t have the resources or the backing.
“Sport is just as big an education as your maths and English and I think it’s fundamental. It teaches you discipline, teamwork, how to win and more importantly how to lose and how to come back from adversity, which is needed in every day life.”
The first school dedicate a week every year to sport-specific activities, but with the Commonwealth Games just around the corner, they doubled the duration.
Laura Skelton, PE co-ordinator, said she was hopeful the funds raised from this will be more than £1,000.
Headteacher Martyn Walley added: “The whole of Fitness Fortnight has been inspirational and the visit by Christian Malcolm has re-enforced everything that the children have learnt and enjoyed.
“Sport and fitness will continue to be of highest priority at the school.”
