Case studies: One-off events and activities

Runnymede South Confederation's 'Think Sport' day

Fullbrook School in Addlestone hosted a very special day on Monday 4 July 2011. Just under 400 primary and junior school children from nine local schools spent the best part of the day in the field and on the courts and pitches at Fullbrook trying out a new sport. From archery to cricket, cheerleading to taekwondo, 10 local clubs and sports providers did a magnificent job introducing children as young as five to a new sport.

The event was organised by Runnymede South Schools Confederation, and local sports clubs kindly offered their expert tuition and advice free for the day. The professional coaches were ably supported by senior students from Jubilee International High School and Fullbrook who have been involved in the planning for this event for a year. A special logo celebrating this cooperation across the schools and in anticipation of the Olympics next year has been designed by the children. Thanks to sponsorship by Proctor and Gamble the children wore t-shirts on the day with their logo on.

It is hoped that as a result of THINKSPORT local schools and clubs will get together to see how they can extend the range of after school activity available to local children. The clubs are also hoping that for some children a taste of a particular sport might encourage them to sign up and give a new sport and local club a go. They won’t be quite ready for the 2012 Olympics but in the future who knows?

Sunbury Manor School – Paralympic Events Day

On Friday 2 July 2010 Sunbury Manor School was host to a day of Paralympic Events. Over 120 students and staff from local primary and secondary schools came to the event, as well as other friends of the school.

The day began with an inspiring talk by Anna Turney, a successful Paralympic skier who finished 6th in the Vancouver Paralympics. Anna is currently training for the 2011 World Championships and going for gold in the 2014 Sochi Paralympics.  Anna also works for the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust and other causes. She spoke to the students about her Olympic dreams, how she thought they were shattered after an accident that broke her back, but then how she came through and achieved her dreams as a Paralympian instead. Some lucky students even had the chance to sit in her monoski – a £10,000 gift from a mystery sponsor.

Students then went off for taster sessions in Paralympic sports including Boccia, wheelchair basketball and seated volleyball, which were run by student sports leaders from the school.

Kate Vaughan, Director of Specialism, said “it was just wonderful to see students of varying ages and abilities all coming together, enjoying themselves and working as a team. Hopefully it will have inspired some of our young athletes to be the Paralympians of tomorrow”.