June 27, 2023 09:06am
Children at Penbridge Junior School had an action-packed sports-focused day never to forget as two professional GB athletes led special workshops.
Sprinters Rechmial Miller and Aidan Syers, who both represent the nation in major tournaments for Team GB across the globe spent the day at Penbridge Junior School. The day was focused on the importance of enjoying fitness.
Ashley Arnell, who leads physical education at Penbridge, said the visit supported sports week at both the infant and junior schools.
He said: "It has been a fantastic week celebrating all-things sports at Penbridge Infants and Penbridge Junior this week, so it was lovely to host the athletes to top it all off. The children have been engaged in a range of activities with their teachers to try and reach the target of 60 minutes of activity a day. As part of that, we wanted to arrange something fun for the children to give them an experience they will never forget, so we wrote to Team GB to see what they could offer."
Rachmial Miller has competed at elite events worldwide. He is a World Youth Championships Bronze medallist for Team GB in Cali, Columbia, a Junior Commonwealth Games Silver medallist, among many other accolades.
Aiden Syers has recorded some of the fastest times in UK history and is recognised as Britain’s fastest schoolboy, winning the English Schools Championship three times. He has also competed for Team GB’s under-19 and under-20 teams before moving on to compete for Team England in the European circuit.
"It was amazing to see our children having so much fun with the athletes; we could hear them from upstairs," Ashley said.
"They were all very excited to meet two professional athletes. It meant a lot for me to have given the children the opportunity to do this. I remember having athletes in when I came to this school as a child, it is an experience that they will remember for a long time. For them to hear about the professionals’ experiences first-hand will encourage more children to be involved in sport and hopefully become more active as a result of their visit."
Anna Webb, Executive Headteacher at both Penbridge Schools, said sports activities across both schools have been well received.
She said: "Ashley and the team have done a brilliant job at making this visit possible today, so thanks to them for that. There has also been a wide range of other activities to promote sports across the infant and junior schools, which staff have worked tirelessly to deliver. I’m so proud to see our children have really enjoyed themselves while engaged with all types of sports. It is really important that children never give up and work as hard as possible to reach their goals. Determination and perseverance are the things that make professional athletes successful. At Penbridge, we teach children that anything is possible if you work hard for it, so determination will really support you in being your best selves."
