Harrow School Sport Partnership

Encouraging gifted and talented students to try something new during Lloyds TSB National School Sport Week 2010

Focus

  • Our aim was to engage gifted and talented (G&T) students in non-mainstream Olympic and Paralympic sports.
  • Most young people will readily use their talents for football, cricket or netball, however we wanted to encourage students to discover an alternative pathway into a sport that they may not have heard of or had the chance to participate in.

Who took part?

  • All SSP primary schools, each bringing 10 G&T students from Key Stage 2.

What happened?

  • Non-mainstream Olympic sports were highlighted and local sports clubs were contacted. The Olympic and Paralympic Values were discussed and played a role throughout the event.
  • Coaches and equipment from fencing, archery, table tennis, badminton and boxing were sourced and designated activity zones set up.
  • School groups rotated around the zones, led by older students from the Leadership Academy. Clubs distributed fliers and information to students who show a gift or talent in a new sport. All young people had the opportunity to experience all sports.
  • A closing ceremony was organised and led by students from the Leadership Academy. Two Young Ambassadors were interviewed by the PDM and relayed their experiences in sport followed by Olympic Value-themed awards (Respect, Excellence and Friendship). The awards were presented by local councillors.
  • Photographers from a local newspaper and the council's monthly magazine took pictures and the story was featured in that week’s Harrow Observer, including a dedicated photo gallery on their website. The two local councillors stayed for the whole morning.

Impact

  • Young people attending the event have successfully persuaded their schools to run after-school fencing and archery clubs.
  • Local fencing and badminton clubs have recruited several new members from the event.
  • The SSP has formed new club links with non-mainstream Olympic sports that provide an exciting pathway for gifted and talented young people.

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