Raising Aspirations of Nottingham Kids
As local hero Rebecca Adlington won her first Commonwealth Gold Medal in Delhi, the students of Oak Field School and Sports College struck gold themselves as a team of Olympians, a Paralympian, Commonwealth and European Champions came to visit.
The Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust chose the school to launch their new national programme, ‘Aspiring Minds’, which is funded by The Transformation Trust and delivered by By Design. The innovative programme which will be rolled out in schools across the country over the next year, is designed to raise the aspirations of all young people.
Tuesday 12th October saw a team of world class sports performers working with 25 young people aged 16-19 many of whom have severe learning difficulties and physical disabilities. Students took part in a range of interactive and challenging practical activities designed to raise their aspirations and give them a desire to succeed. Putting them through their paces were Ross Davenport, fresh back from Delhi after competing in the 200m free style and 4x200m freestyle relay together with By Design's very own Commonwealth High Jump Medalist, Geoff Parsons.
Dame Kelly Holmes, Double Olympic Champion and Chair of the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust, who was unable to attend the launch as she was on international duties herself as President of Commonwealth Games England in Delhi said: “I am delighted that my charity launched our new programme ‘Aspiring Minds’ funded by The Transformation Trust, at Oak Field School and Sports College. This is a school known for using sport to inspire young people and it is a perfect place to launch this new project from my charity. Too often young people are told they are no good and their aspiration to succeed is lost. Aspiring Minds addresses this: it is a support programme for young people, helping them to develop the ‘can do’ attitude, motivation and personal skills they will need to succeed in the modern world. Delivered by world class sports stars and a skilled team of trainers, this project gives young people the chance to learn from winners in sport, helping them to become winners in life.”
David Stewart OBE Head Teacher of Oak Field School and Sports College said: “ The opportunity for our students to work with world class athletes through the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust is just wonderful! The message it gives is that everyone is valued, everyone can achieve. As a sports college I am particularly proud that we are able to play host to the Trust."
Sir David Bell, Chair of the Transformation Trust which is helping fund Aspiring Minds, said: "Helping young people to raise their aspirations, to grow in confidence, and to find skills and talents they never knew they had is at the heart of all the projects we support. The unique dimension of Aspiring Minds, where young people are inspired by and learn from sports men and women who are leaders in their field, makes this a very special initiative. We look forward to watching its progress and achievements over the coming months.”
19th October 2010
