Pupils at Farmborough Church Primary School near Bath enjoyed an inspiring visit from two medal-winning Paralympians who encouraged them to stay active and believe in their ambitions.
Katrina Hart, a Paralympic sprinter, and Jack Rutter, a Paralympic footballer and former captain of the England Cerebral Palsy football team, visited the school on Friday 27 February as part of the Great Athletes programme.
The athletes led a lively fitness session for the whole school, guiding pupils through a series of fun exercise circuits designed to get everyone moving and enjoying sport.
The visit continued with a whole-school assembly in which Katrina shared her personal journey in sport and the determination that helped her achieve Gold and Bronze medals at the 2010 Commonwealth Games and the 2012 London Paralympics.
Pupils were fascinated by the athletes’ stories and the chance to meet them in person.
“We enjoyed doing the circuits and hearing about how they became Paralympians and why they enjoy what they do,” said pupils Poppy and Hannah, adding, “It was also pretty cool just to meet them.”
Pupils Erin and Nia added, “It was super cool, because we got to find out about their lives and do some fun activities.”
The visit formed part of the Great Athletes programme, which brings elite sportspeople into primary schools across the UK to inspire children to get active and develop a lifelong love of sport.
Mrs Johnson, a teaching assistant at Farmborough Church Primary School, said, “What stood out for me was hearing the advice Katrina had as a child to try as many sports as possible, find your local clubs and get involved.”
The visit left pupils feeling motivated and excited to explore new activities, showing them that with perseverance and passion, big ambitions can start at primary school.
