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Release Date: 07/02/2012

Borough paves the way for national sports launch

An Olympic inspired project piloted in seven Richmond upon Thames schools to encourage recycling and promote sports is now being extended to the rest of the country.

The Sports into Schools programme is run by the Wastebuster organisation. It initially worked with the Council and local schools to encourage families to donate unwanted clothes and textiles so the school could build points to exchange for sports equipment. In total around two tonnes of clothing was collected by children from Richmond upon Thames, making the project a great success and sowing the seeds for the national launch.

To promote the UK-wide launch of the campaign, two Team GB Olympic basketball players, Drew Sullivan and Jamelle Anderson, will visit Hampton Hill Junior School on 6 February to support the making of a film with pupils, staff and parents which will explain the scheme to other schools and clubs.

The textiles collected in Richmond upon Thames earnt points worth 400 tennis balls, 60 footballs or 200 skipping ropes. It could also ‘buy’ two bow and arrow sets, 24 spare arrows and equipment like targets and safety nets for pupils to learn archery.

Bill Jerman, Head Teacher of Hampton Hill Junior School, said: “The children loved it. The idea of turning their old clothes into sports kit really captured their imagination and helped us collect over twice the amount of textiles than without the WasteBuster support. It is another excellent way to promote the importance of sustainability in the lives of our pupils and the wider community.

Cllr Paul Hodgins, Richmond Council’s Cabinet Member for Schools, said: “Our young people are amongst the most active in London already, and I’m pleased the Council is supporting the Sport into Schools project. I’d like to thank all the schools here which have led the way in the trial, which will now benefit children across the whole country.

“With the Olympics less than six months away, now is the best time for people to try out a new sport. If they learn about the importance of recycling and sustainable living as well, then that’s an even better result. More than 90 per cent of the borough’s schools have joined the programme, which I think is a great result.”

Schools wanting to register for Sport into Schools should visit the Wastebuster website here.


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