ATHLETIC pupils grabbed the chance to join in with a fundraising sports event with a judo gold medalist.
Commonwealth Games winner Louise Renicks joined students at Bede Academy, in Blyth, to complete a circuit of sponsored exercises as part of national Sports for Champions.
The programme, which assists unfunded young athletes with international potential to realise their Olympic and Commonwealth dreams, also aims to encourage and motivate young people to participate in sport at all levels.
Bede primary sports lead Clive Campbell said: “Sport is a great way to engage with pupils and getting children up and active to inspire them to improve their own health and fitness is one of our main goals at Bede Academy.
“Our students loved meeting Louise and taking part in her exercise programme. They also managed to raise an incredible £2,000 in sponsorship for Sports for Champions and to buy some additional sporting equipment for us to use in school.”
All 630 pupils from reception to Year 6 got their blood pumping with a circuit of spotted dog jumps, knee jumps, star jumps and press ups before being allowed to hold Louise’s gold medal.
“As well as raising funds to help young athletes, this event is all about educating young people to understand that by doing a little exercise and eating a well-balanced diet they can lead a healthy lifestyle that will last them a lifetime,” said Louise.
“I started judo when I was 11-years-old and was competing nationally by the age of 14. Winning the gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2014, in front of my home crowd in Glasgow, was an incredible moment.
“I’ve been out of the sport for a year and a half now, due to injury, but hopefully I’ll be competing again in the World Championships, in Italy, in September. My message to pupils is enjoy your sport, always give your best and above all never give up.”