Olympians coach urban athletes

The London Coaching Foundation ran the final of 4 Urban Athlete – ‘Have a go at Athletics & Sports’ Day events in December for 180 11-16 year olds from Central and West London schools at Sutton Arena.

At each event young people tried track and field events being coached by current and former athletes, including some Olympians.

Over the last year more than 700 11-16 year olds from North, East, South and West London have been trained by former British athletes including Tony Jarrett and Mike McFarlane. Our youngest Olympian in Beijing, Dan Awde, gave a motivational talk at the East London event, and answered questions.
 
The young people and their teachers all had a great day as you’ll read below:

Ellie, 12: "I particularly liked speaking to Olympians and being taught by professional Olympians. I was inspired by (Dan Awde's) speech"
 
Ruby, 12: "Brilliant..I have tried new things…I was inspired about the stories about Beijing, meeting the athletes and doing new sports"
 
Takunda, 14: “I’ve learnt about more events so I can try all of them. The speaker and coaches inspired me to try harder and practice more I liked learning about the events and doing then as well”
 
Mr Finn, Teacher: “Brilliant. Feel Motivated. Coaches and speaker were inspiring. Good coaching tips. Amazing venue, great coaches, great Day”          

John Herbert, Chief Executive of London Coaching Foundation, and Team GB Jumps Coach and 4 times Olympian speaking at the Lee Valley stadium for East London schools event said:

“The Urban Athletes, Binspired2 "Have a Go" event at Lee Valley HiPAC, funded by 95.8 Capital FM’s Help a London Child, was an absolutely fantastic day where over 200 children, mainly from disadvantaged and underserved communities, gained the chance to experience activities from 10 'Run' Jump' and 'Throw' athletic events as well as Rowing and Martial Arts and 20 Young Sports Leaders benefited from the mentoring of Olympians and Elite coaches for the day.

At all times the children were encouraged by our team of Elite coaches and Olympians to enjoy all of the activities. The kids feedback was of a “brilliant day” and the motivational benefits of receiving quality coaching. It was the London Coaching Foundation Team’s absolute privilege to deliver the day.

I would like to say a big thank you for all the support of 95.8 Capital FM’s HALC team for funding the 4 events, in enabling the London Coaching Foundation to bring these Urban Athletes, Binspired2 "Have a Go" events to around 700 deserving children across London. Your help has provided very special and memorable days for us all - Thank you.”

 Find out more about our other Free Sport for All projects:

>>All 2-Gether Now

>>Challenge East