Sport star tests out programme

Leon Baptiste visited Kirkby in Ashfield on Wednesday to celebrate the success of the Sporting Promise programme. He was also keen to try out the new school sport and fitness programmes run by England Athletics and Ultimate Frisbee. Pupils and teachers from a number of local secondary schools joined him in the sessions at Ashfield School.

Leon Baptiste visited Ashfield School in Nottinghamshire on Wednesday July 13th to take part in a new school sport and fitness programmes. The new sports tried included lacrosse and Ulitimate Frisbee. picture mike cowling jul 13 2016

Leon Baptiste became the 100m European junior champion in 2004 and won his first major title six years later by taking the 200m gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games held in Delhi.

Leon is now an ambassador for the Sporting Promise programme and the Youth Sport Trust and he threw himself into the sporting fun.

He said: “It is so important that young people get fitter and more active and there really is something out there for everyone to get involved with.

“It’s great to support a programme like this that opens up so many chances for kids to get active in the build up to another Olympic Games.”

Sporting Promise is an award-winning grass roots sports initiative that has already impacted over 2.5 million young people in its first four years. It is a partnership between Matalan, Souluxe and the Youth Sport Trust that ensures children across the country have vital access to sports activity in school.

Nick Morris, PE teacher at Ashfield school, said: “Today has been fun and inspiring and we’re delighted to be a part of the Sporting Promise. It has been an honour to welcome Leon Baptiste and have him share tips and advice with the students who have loved the opportunity.”

There are three key focus areas for Sporting Promise. TOP Sport supports the delivery of PE and sport in 11,000 primary schools across the country. Your Activity promotes the alternative sports offer in secondary schools, and Sporting Communities opens up sports opportunities for 14 to 19-year-olds by setting up community sports clubs.