Newhams students pose with Donna Fraser and HR Director Tim Boylin

Students from Newham had the chance to train with and take on Olympian Donna Fraser as part of their preparations for the final of the EDF Energy Indoor Athletics Challenge.

The group of youngsters from Newham College worked with Fraser in a special training session on the outdoor track at Newham Leisure Centre last week.

Supported by EDF Energy, they have been working over the last few months with professional coaches to hone their performance and prove their commitment across five track and field events – long jump, shot put, 60m, 800m and 4x200m relay.

Next Thursday Leyton Sixth Form College, Newham College, NewVic Sixth Form College, Barking and Dagenham College, Hackney Community College, and Sir John Cass’s Foundation Redcoat School in Stepney, Tower Hamlets go head-to-head for the EDF Energy Indoor Athletics Challenge Final at Lee Valley Indoor Athletics Centre.

And on the session, Fraser said: “The students were brilliant and there is some great talent amongst them. You can see just how they’ve come on since we launched the challenge.

“All the colleges and sixth forms have been putting in the hard work and now we’re really looking forward to a special day at the final.”

The challenge and support to schools is being provided by EDF Energy as part of the energy company’s commitment to helping achieve a successful legacy to the Games for young people in London.

Each college enters a team of 10 for the final, with the overall winner and other awards made based on performances at the final.

As well as the performance they will also be based on the points scored throughout the challenge in areas which will include discipline, commitment and punctuality.