Sporting Champion Jenny Copnall inspires young people

 

 

 

Sporting Champion Jenny Copnall met Year 6, 7, 8 children at Cardinal Griffin and inspired the students to take up cycling.  The visit was organised through Cannock and Rugeley School Sport Partnership and funded by Sport England as part of their Sporting Champions initiative.

 

 

Jenny Copnall was greeted by over 50 children from Cardinal Griffin's primary feeder schools. She gave an inspiring presentation, showed the children her GB Kit, medals, and talked about her achievements. She then put on her kit, took to her mountain bike and demonstrated her mountain bike skills outside.

 

 Jenny Copnall carrying out a demonstration at Cardinal Griffin

 

Also present for the afternoon were the British Cycling “Go Ride” Coaches and Phil Kelly from Friary Leisure Centre with a Watt Bike demonstration, for whom we are very grateful for their generous donation of time and energy.

 

The Watt Bikes added an exciting dimension to indoor cycling both as individual riders and teams. The computer software, live screen and statistics enhanced the experience.

 

Outside the students gained confidence on the bikes following coaching skills sessions and then had the opportunity to practise their skills on the Mountain Bike courses which were set up on the school grounds. A race completed the afternoon and the progress and enthusiasm was amazing.

 

Students practising their mountain bike skills on the course set up on the school grounds

 

Sporting Champion Jenny Copnall said;-

“The children from the primary schools, St. Josephs Hednesford, St. Josephs Rugeley, St. Thomas More Great Wyrley and St. Mary’s Cannock have been fantastic and we have had a lot of fun. They really showed progress through the course of the workshops and skills sessions. I hope that they continue with their cycling and some might even become our future Olympic champions. I have thoroughly enjoyed being a Sporting Champion at Cardinal Griffin and am honoured to have had the opportunity to reach so many young people to share my positive experiences in sport. Sport is not just about winning; it can improve health, social skills and even educational results.”

 

We are also grateful that the support and Cycling opportunities don’t stop here. There will be a return visit later this month by Jenny, the British Cycling “Go Ride” Coaches and the Watt Bikes.

 

Courtesy of “Sport Unlimited funding” students can than now access the after school Cycle Club on Wednesdays at Cardinal Griffin run by Mr. Shenton Cycle Club Leader and Coach.

 

For more information please contact:

Rose Brown
School Sport Co-ordinator
Cannock and Rugeley School Sport Partnership
Cardinal Griffin Catholic High School and
Blake Valley Technology College
 
Mobile: 07752522339
Website: www.cannockrugeleyssp.net