This entry was posted on Friday, July 11th, 2014at 11:23 am by zoe.leahy@activenation.org.uk

Top Athletes Inspire Hundreds Of Pupils At Sainsbury’s School Games

Around a thousand young athletes took part in the Sainsbury’s School Games Summer Festival at Active Nation’s Yarborough Leisure Centre in Lincoln – seeing Winter Paralympian medalist Jade Etherington, national shot putter Lee Cupit and London 2012 Paralympic Athlete Sam Ruddock proved to be a massive inspiration for all of the youngsters taking part.

More than 750 children from 90 primary and secondary schools took part in 8 sports and a total of 12 different competitions and 4 inclusive events on a bumper day of action, health and well-being. Some 150 young leaders also gave up their spare time to provide support on the day.

Students from schools across Lincolnshire were welcomed by Jade, Lee and Sam who shared their experiences and cheered on the competitors.

The festival, which was organised by Lincolnshire Sport in partnership with the local organising committee, welcomed students of all abilities to take part in eight sports including athletics, boccia, goalball, golf, hockey, rounders, tennis and volleyball.

Sam, who is Lincolnshire Sport’s Sporting Champion for the Games, said: “It’s so important that we inspire young people and ensure they know the importance of sport and physical activity.

“It takes a lifetime of hard work to become a Paralympian and I try to advise children that passion, enthusiasm and being the best you can be are the best qualities to have in sport and when competing.

“Today has been an inspirational day and it is great to see such a wide range of sports taking place, especially the four inclusive sports.”

The Sainsbury’s School Games were another part of a national initiative to give every pupil in the country the opportunity to experience competitive sport and feel part of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games legacy.

Jade said: “I think it’s really important for schools to come together like this and let pupils try out lots of different sports. They get to represent their schools and work together as a team.

“This is a great opportunity for pupils to try something new and learn all about the Lincolnshire Elite Athlete Programme which has helped so many and is available to other young sportspeople.”

Lee added: “I thought today was great. I wish this had been around when I was at school – I would have loved it. It’s been an amazing thing for me to be a part of and it’s great to see all these amazing young athletes and their talent.”

Jo Purkiss, Sport Project Officer at Lincolnshire Sport, said: “It was a fantastic day of sporting legacy. The buzz and excitement around the whole event was amazing and the inspiration that Sporting Champion Sam Ruddock, Lincolnshire’s very own Jade Etherington and LEAP athlete Lee Cupit gave to the children was unbelievable; they certainly had plenty of t-shirt signing practice throughout the day!”

Jo added: “All credit to the athletes involved when they were performing. The schools displayed all the Sainsbury’s School Games values and really pushed themselves to succeed. We also recognise the incredible support of the National Governing Bodies, clubs, host sites and facilities, and volunteers who all make these events happen.”

For more information on the School Games visit www.lincolnshiresport.com/schoolsport