Campion pupils are first on Olympic challenge list

Campion School on Sydenham Drive is the first Warwickshire school to sign up its students to take part in the Olympic Gold Challenge.

Mr Moorcroft, an ambassador for the London 2012 Olympic Games, visited the school last week to offer inspiration to its young participants.

The Gold Challenge is organised in partnership with the British Olympics Association, Paralympics GB and Sport England.

Through the programme, participants are sponsored to undertake a minimum of three hours’ training in at least five Olympic or Paralympic sports, or to complete an endurance event by December 31 next year.

Warwickshire County Council is supporting the challenge and is backing the Heart Rhythm Charity to get young people in schools, sports teams and youth groups to try out some new activities and better understand the benefits of healthy active lifestyles.

Campion pupils will work with Ali Knight, the school’s sports partnership development manager, on how they will meet the challenge.

Headteacher Mark Feldman said: “It’s still early days but we’re proud to be supporting this exciting scheme which will be a great experience for the pupils who choose to take part.

“They will be instrumental in deciding how the programme will be delivered at the school which is an added benefit on top of the chance to try out some new activities, raising money for charity and improve their health and fitness.”

Schools and youth groups can also add their own elements to the challenge.

Inter-school tournaments with teams competing with one another or setting fundraising targets are ways to get more out of the programme.

Cllr Bob Stevens (Con, Feldon), the deputy leader of Warwickshire County Council who is responsible for policy on health, said: “We are proud to support this scheme which will inspire Olympics spirit, improve health and fitness, and get Warwickshire young people involved throughout the build up to London 2012 and beyond.”

The Heart Rhythm Charity, Arrhythmia Alliance, is offering free registration for the first 100 teams who sign up and will offer fundraising tips and educational support throughout the challenge.

Trudie Lobban, founder of Arrhythmia Alliance which is based in Warwickshire, said, “The Olympic Games is the world’s foremost sports competition and to be able to involve the children across the county in a healthy sports activity is amazing.”

To register call 01789 450787 or email [email protected]