Inspiring tomorrow’s athletes to go for gold

Jul 1 2009 by Beverley Pearson, The Journal

SCHOOLCHILDREN from South Tyneside met a top athlete when they took part in a mini Olympics.

Youngsters from 20 local primary schools met Olympic gold winning sprinter Jason Gardener at Monkton Stadium near Jarrow yesterday.

More than 300 pupils took part in the inaugural Bill Wilson Memorial Shield, which included an opening and closing ceremony, and a torch relay.

Across Tyneside more than 130 schools are taking part in the week of events.

Some schools are organising special Olympic-themed lessons.

David Newton, partnership development manager at South Tyneside School Sport Partnership said: “Lloyds TSB National School Sport Week is a great way of engaging children with sport and the pupils here at Monkton Stadium have been inspired by Jason Gardener’s visit.

“Incorporating the Olympic Games into National School Sport Week will enable us to make London 2012 relevant to the children and parents in our community.”

Jason Gardener said: “The sporting journey for many Olympians and Paralympians begins at school.”