sporting champions
Inspiring young people to have fun, get active and achieve!
Sporting Champions inspires young people by giving them the chance to meet thier sporting heroes face-to-face. Each year around 450 visits are arranged which bring world class athletes into schools and local communities through-out the country.
The scheme is unique by using athletes from a wide range of sports to share their knowledge and experiences with young people to inspire them to take part in sport and achieve their potential at what ever level that may be.
If you are a community group or voluntary sports club in Hertfordshire then you could apply to have a sporting champion to come to one of your events! The visit can be tailored to the needs of your specific event to allow the best possible opportunity for young people to interact with the Champion. With a diverse range of Champions available the visit could range from running coaching workshops, having a question and answer session, or providing a sporting demostration.
To find out which Champions are currently available for visits go to: www.sportingchampions.org.uk
What could a sporting champion be used for?
If you have an event coming up and think that it would really benefit from having a Sporting Champion attend then get in touch. We can then talk through your ideas and plans. The most important thing to remember is the impact the Champion will have on your event, so have a think before hand about what the main purpose of the visit is.
A Sporting Champion visit can be used to:
- Raise awareness of sport and the benefits of sport and physical activity
- Engage and enthuse young people
- Increase the profile of a variety of sports and local sports clubs
- Improve behaviour in the local community
- Motivate young people in their wider lives
- Raise the profile of a particular event
How to start organising a visit
The Herts Sports Partnership are curently co-ordinating visits that take place in Hertfordshire so if you have an event that could benefit from a Sporting Champion attending contact Graham Keen on 01707 281006 or e-mail g.a.keen@herts.ac.uk
Mark Richardson, 400m Athletics
"I see myself as a role model and I can help youngsters to learn from experiences I've had through my sport. I've had a fantastic career, I've really enjoyed it and I've learnt some really valuable lessons as well, such as goal setting and being disciplined, so if I can transfer those onto young people, then it's a job well done"
Brooke Graddon, Diving
"Young people need to be encouraged to participate in sporting activites, which is one of 'sporting champions' aims. Diving has enabled me to travel and meet many other athletes from around the world who have become friends. Sport has also given me the confidence to spread the word and with the help of more experienced sporting champions I hope to inspire others"
