School's out for Muller Sports Day

Grassroots News...

School’s out…for inaugural Müller Sports Day

FOUR East London primary schools - Buxton, Gallions, John Scurr and St Paul’s with St Michael’s - headed to the London Stadium for a Sports Day to remember. Kitted out in their school sports gear, the children were led in a fun filled warm-up to get the adrenalin pumping. The athletes were then led out into the stadium to the sound of roaring crowds and Survivor’s ‘Eye of the Tiger’. With their school’s name plastered across the huge screens, everyone was raring to go. The young athletes took part in four activities around the track - Run, Jump, Throw and Push. They were coached by Olympic bronze medallist and newly-crowned Müller Athletic Squad Coach, Kelly Sotherton, with Müller Athletic Squad Member and 2016 Paralympic Games F34 shot put star, Vanessa Wallace, cheering them on every step of the way.

‘Run’ showed the athletes how to set up for a sprint and saw them tearing down the 100m stretch, running in the footsteps of

legends such as Usain Bolt. They then took part in a fun, old school classic, the egg and spoon race. ‘Jump’ measured how far each Sports Day athlete could long jump. A little high jump coaching on how to master the all-important run-up also featured. ‘Throw’ coached on under and overarm techniques as well as target practice. Coaches Sotherton and Wallace were on hand with tips to make every throw count. ‘Push’ showed just how much strength and skill Para athletes have, as each Sports Day athlete took to the racing wheelchair and pushed as fast as they could down the track. A truly inspirational day was had by all, watching the next generation become inspired by athletics in such an iconic stadium. The Müller Athletic Squad is helping to promote the important role exercise and diet play in leading an active and healthy life.

Netball training day for deaf participants

ENGLAND NETBALL with support from UK Deaf Sport held a netball training day for deaf players, coaches and umpires. The event brought together players - some that haven’t played for several years - alongside coaches and umpires to look at ways to improve the sport for people with hearing impairments. Taking place at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, everyone took part in training drills and match play. They also

had the opportunity to discuss how coaching netball could be more inclusive and what considerations might be needed when umpiring a game with deaf players. The day was a great success with all players commenting on how interesting they found the training sessions and that they look forward to playing more netball in the future. Richard Evans, England Netball Strategic Lead for Disability, co-ordinated the event

with the support of UKDS. He said: “This pilot marks the start of a journey to bring a new sport to women and girls from the deaf community. This pilot has provided great insight and will help shape and form a new and emerging sport.” Valerie Copenhagen, UK Deaf Sport Head of Participation, added: “This was a great opportunity to bring all parties together - players from the deaf community, netball coaches and officials to develop the sport.”

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