Four-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy has visited the students of Cheshire’s Hartford High School, to encourage them in their involvement in International Inspiration, London 2012’s international legacy programme.
Through International Inspiration, Hartford High School has been linked with SMK Raja Permaisuri Bainun School in Malaysia and the partnership is providing exciting opportunities for young people from both countries to learn about each other’s cultures and share their experiences of sport and play.
Sir Chris met youngsters aged between 11 and 16 who have received special training and are now representing their fellow pupils as Young Leaders at school and within their local communities. Having visited Malaysia for his first ever Commonwealth Games in 1998, Sir Chris was able to share his experiences of the country with the Young Leaders, as well as explain why he is so committed to supporting International Inspiration.
Commenting on his role as International Inspiration Ambassador, Sir Chris Hoy said: ‘It is an enormous privilege to support International Inspiration, which is aiming to use sport to change the lives of 12 million children in 20 countries around the world. Meeting the Young Leaders from Hartford High School has really demonstrated to me how the programme is not only having an incredible impact overseas, but is also making a real difference to the lives of children and young people in the UK.’
After a group of teachers from Hartford High School visited Malaysia from 27 February to 6 March, students have adopted the Malaysian game Sepak Takraw into their PE curriculum, and in return are introducing the British game of Rounders to their Malaysian peers. Young Leaders are now involved in organising Sepak Takraw games both at school, as well as further out into their local communities.
Lydia, a 14-year old student at the school said: ‘Being involved in International Inspiration has been a fantastic way of experiencing a culture different to our own.
‘Learning the Malaysian game of Sepak Takraw has been really fun and means that we now have a much more versatile range of sports to participate in during PE.’
Seb Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, said: ‘Our vision to use the power of the Games to inspire lasting change and transform lives is the driving force behind our plans. We took a very clear promise to Singapore – to encourage the youth of the world to choose sport – and Hartford High School’s involvement is another key step towards delivering that promise. Sport can be a great force for good, and the International Inspiration programme will play a real role in improving the lives of young people around the world through sport.’
International Inspiration uses the power of sport to enrich the lives of millions of children and young people of all abilities in schools and communities across the world, particularly developing countries, by offering them the opportunity to access and participate in high-quality and inclusive sport, physical education and play.
School partnerships are an integral part of International Inspiration, providing an opportunity for teachers, children and young people to develop and share innovative approaches to PE, sport and play in the classroom and their local community as well as learn about and understand each other’s cultures, experiences and international development issues. Hartford High School is one of 164 schools in the UK currently linked to a school overseas through International Inspiration.
The school partnerships are managed by the British Council, which has extensive experience of linking schools internationally. Working in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust, it uses its expertise to develop teachers and young leaders through sport.
For more information contact: www.london2012.com
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