HTAS July update 'In the Community'

With the Olympics and Paralympics getting ever closer, our Hampshire Talented Athletes have been out and about in their local communities, as part of the Be Inspired 4 Life project.

Jack Mitchell, High Jump
Jack visited Harestock Primary School to talk about his sport. The children were amazed when they were shown how high he jumps and even more amazed when Jack revealed the current UK and world records which stand at 2.38m and 2.45m respectively.

Head teacher, Jackie Sankey, said "Jack’s visit, and in particular the messages he conveyed in his talk today, to go out and try new things and not to be afraid of failure, were inspirational. The children thoroughly enjoyed hearing from a young athlete who is starting his sporting journey and we wish Jack luck with his athletics career.”

Austin, Aidan and Alex Jones, Judo
The Jones brothers joined students from Cranbourne Business and Enterprise College as part of an action-packed day learning about the Olympics.

The brothers demonstrated their sport and even tried out some moves on Head of History Mr Stephen Tibble! They explained the history of judo, its ethos of respect and answered a wide range of questions.

PE teacher Andy Kimber said: ‘Having the Judo players come to the college and perform was a highlight and this really whetted the appetite of our students with the London games just a month away. We hope that they will remember Respect, Excellence, Friendship, Determination, Courage, Equality and remain Inspired long after the games have been and gone.

Aidan, 21, said: “It was really nice to be here and show people about Judo. I think the students really enjoyed the sessions.”

Emily Jenkinson, Athletics
Emilytook an assembly at Oliver’s Battery Primary School where she talked about her athletic and sportingexperiences. She shared images of her competing all over the world and spoke to the children about how she became involved in sports and what drives her to continue working towards her goal of representing England one day.

The children were surprised to learn that one of Emily's first ever competitive races was a cross country event at Oliver’s Battery school grounds, when she was in primary school!

Teacher Kate Stockham commented, "We had a really great day and the children were amazed by how much Emily hadachieved at such a young age - we will all be keen to see how she progresses in the future!’

Tressa Armitage, Table Tennis
Tressa went to St Bede Church of England Primary School to teach the children about the sport of table tennis. During her presentation Tressa showed video footage of a game and the children were very impressed with the speed of play. The pupils also got a chance to ask Tressa questions and look at her trophies

and medals. All the children now want to try table tennis in their PE lessons!

Gymnast Kelly Simm, visited St John the Baptist Primary School where explained to pupils about her training and demonstrated her sport by doing flips and handstands.

Teacher Heidi Martin said, ‘The children were silent and in awe of the dedication and talent of Kelly. She has gained 320 new fans and we all wish her lots of luck.’

Elsewhere athlete Matthew Chant spoke at Park View Infant School whilst athlete Emma Buckett was guest of honour at the Hampshire School County Athletics Championships.

Hampshire Games

Leslie Parkes, Jordan Campbell, Aidan and Austin Jones, Henry Ridgers, Rebecca Howard, George Emmins, Viki Williams, Laura Edwards, Myles and Owen Richardson and Emma Cowell led the opening ceremony parade at the 2012 Hampshire Games.

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