Release Date: 19/06/2008
Hampton Junior School is the first borough school to benefit from the ‘Adopt a School’ scheme run by Richmond Council’s Hampton Sports and Fitness Centre.
This is a free initiative that aims to increase the participation of young people in sports and fitness activities.
School students are offered a range of activities, some of which provide an alternative to the traditional sports offered at schools. They also receive advice on nutrition and healthy living.
A group of eight to ten-year-old pupils from Hampton Junior School have been getting active under the guidance of fitness instructors as part of a six-week programme featuring circus skills, football, street dance, judo and karate.
Following the programme, students will be urged to continue participating in sports through free vouchers and discounted coaching at Hampton Sports and Fitness Centre.
‘Adopt a School’ is a government-funded programme managed by the Fitness Industry Association (FIA).
Cllr Malcolm Eady, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Education on Richmond Council, said:
“This is a superb scheme that gives young people the opportunity to take part in fun sports and fitness activities that also help them to learn about a healthy lifestyle.
“It builds on the great success of our Competitive Edge programme, which aims to boost participation in competitive sports to give young people the opportunity to develop their sporting talents and stay healthy.”
Malcolm Rivers, Head Teacher at Hampton Juniors School said:
“This is a great opportunity for our youngsters to experience a new range of skills. We are delighted with this initiative from Hampton Sports and Fitness Centre.”