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30 Jun 2011 12:28:40
Nearly 100 Bedfordshire pupils enjoyed the experience of a lifetime when they had the chance to train with double Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes and a team of elite athletes at the University of Bedfordshire on Wednesday, 29 June.
The youngsters were at the University’s Bedford campus for Unlocking Potential – an event aimed at young athletes aged 13 -18.
The day was organised by Dame Kelly Holmes’ charity, the DKH Legacy Trust, and put the talented young sports performers from Bedford Academy, All Saints Academy, Barnfield South and Barnfield West Academies through their paces.
Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes and her team of elite sports athletes delivered a day of unique workshops for the youngsters as well as their coaches, parents and carers. Sessions included circuit training, communicating with the media and mental skills training with the aim of inspiring young people to fulfil their potential.
Their coaches and tutors for the day included two-time rowing World Champion and Olympian Toby Garbett, six-time World Champion canoeist Anna Hemmings, and international Ironman Triathlon athlete Cathy Wood.
Dame Kelly said: “Unlocking Potential in Bedfordshire was a fantastic event and we at the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust are grateful for the University of Bedfordshire’s support. We hope that the event really inspires these youngsters because they already have the talent to succeed.”
Professor John Brewer, Director of Sport at the University said: “The event was a culmination of 12 months working in partnership and the University’s staff and students have been climbing mountains and running marathons to raise money for the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust.
“At the moment, there is a lot of talk about Olympic legacy and I hope that the legacy of today for the youngsters is memories that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.”
Helen Anton, Assistant Vice Principal at All Saints Academy, Dunstable, said: “It was absolutely fantastic. The students loved it and are all inspired and motivated to go on and achieve in their sport.”
University of Bedfordshire Vice Chancellor Professor Les Ebdon CBE: “It was wonderful to see so many young, talented performers at this event. The University of Bedfordshire is all about inspiring young people to reach their goals whatever their circumstances and I know the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust shares that vision which is why we are so proud to be the first university in the UK to be an associate sponsor of the charity.
“I’m sure that the youngsters have all had an exciting day and I’d like to thank Dame Kelly Holmes and her team for organising such a fantastic event - we’ve been thrilled to host it.”
International rowing star Charles Cousins, England and GB hockey player Purdy Miller, England rugby player Fiona Pocock, badminton Olympian Donna Kellogg, international kayaker Kate Forgione, Olympian sailor Paula Reinoso and Jenna Downing, World Champion in extreme inline skating were also on hand to coach the youngsters.
Latest news» 2011» June» Dame Kelly unlocks potential at University of Bedfordshire
