Olympic Inspiration for Stevenage School Children - 2nd Nov 2010
The gold medallist, who won the 100 metre breaststroke at the 1980 Olympic Games, will visit Camps Hill Community Primary School in Stevenage in his role as an Ambassador for Premier Sport.
Duncan Goodhew MBE will be guest of honour at the school assembly before visiting each class to talk to the children and show them his Gold medal and the Olympic torch at the event on Tuesday 2 November.
He will also launch new school fitness initiative The Golden Mile, which aims to get every child walking, running or jogging 50 miles in the academic year – including the 355 children at Camps Hill.
Thousands of children at schools across the country have already signed up to The Golden Mile – a simple fitness scheme and a valuable tool in the fight against childhood obesity.
With an interactive website to log results, recipe cards from sports stars, curriculum activities and certificates of achievement, pupils simply walk, jog or run around a Golden Mile track marked out in the hall or playground before, during or after school, at break times or even as part of PE.
The project is backed by sports stars including Dame Kelly Holmes, government officials and celebrities, and studies prove it is hugely influential in improving the fitness of pupils – as well as helping to improve concentration and attendance in class.
“The Golden Mile represents an excellent opportunity for children of all abilities to get fit and be active. The project is simple, effective and accessible to all schools, children and parents. It really is an innovative and interesting project that will be embraced by both children and schools,” said Duncan.
“Developing a healthy interest in sport and exercise can play a crucial part in the future wellbeing of our children. I am delighted to be visiting the school and am very much looking forward to meeting the children.”
Premier Sport, the UK’s largest children’s coaching organisation, deliver PE curricular cover at the school, as well as a multi sport after school club.
John Harris, Premier Sport area co-ordinator, said: “I am really looking forward to the children meeting Duncan – I know he is a very inspirational man who overcame his own adversities to achieve Gold.”