PUPILS AT Emmbrook Junior School were put through their paces last week with a visit from a Team GB athlete.
Kimberley Renicks, who is part of the Judo Team GB visited the school to run a quick-fire circuits session with the children.
The four-minute circuit was created to show the children what it is like to be an athlete. After the sessions, the youngsters were then treated to a talk from Ms Renicks linking the sporting skills to the classroom.
“It’s about giving 100% in everything they do,” said Ms Renicks. “With sport, you learn how to listen, and the importance of showing up on time.
“Education is so important for athletes too because if you get an injury, you need something to fall back on.”
PE Teacher, Jack Fisher explained the inspiriation for the visit: “We joined Sports for Champions UK, which is a national thing that lots of schools do.
“The children raised a total of £2187.80, out of that £1,057.68 goes to the school, and £705.12 goes to the athlete to help with their training costs.
“This money will help Kimberly get to the Toyko Olympics.”
The programme works by children collecting sponsorship money to complete the circuit.
“The children that have raised the most will even get extra prizes,” added Mr Fisher.
Talking about her sporting background, Ms Renicks said: “I’ve been practising Judo for 27 years, I started when I was four years old.
“My Dad has this rule that we could try a range of sports, but we had to stick to them for at least six weeks.
“In six weeks, you make friends, and you learn lots of skills. He said if we didn’t like it after then, we could try a new sport.
“I also did football, swimming and rugby — which I still play now.
After delivering her short, intense circuits, Ms Renicks addressed the children from years three to six about the benefits of sport.
“It’s fantastic for their confidence,” said Mr Fisher “We do lots of sports at Emmbrook and I get to take the kids out to competitions too. PE is highly important at school.
“And today is to give them insight into what it’s like being an athlete.
“There has to be dedication in their diet too.
For example, Kimberley has a fight tomorrow and before then, she has to lose three pounds. She has a strict nutritional programme and has to stick to it.”
