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Paralympic star David Weir CBE visits school in Stratford
Nike athletes David Weir Shona Richards and Sabrina Bakare join Chobham Academy students to celebrate the nationwide launch of Marathon Kids - Credit: Archant
Six-time gold medallist, David Weir CBE, joined more than 500 schoolchildren to celebrate the success of the Marathon Kids programme in Stratford.
The British Paralympic wheelchair athlete and junior 400m stars Shona Richards and Sabrina Bakare, took to the stage to tell their stories and the track to show off their talent at Chobham Academy, in Cheering Lane.
The trio also got involved in a dance competition with the children, as part of the nationwide launch, following successful pilot schemes inspiring children to run at 30 schools across the capital.
“As a father myself, I know how important it is to give kids a chance to get moving,” David explained.
“I think it’s just great that they’re supporting something that is getting kids into some sort of activity everyday and keeping fit, I think it’s important for young kids to do some sort of activity everyday, just to have a healthy life.
Nike athletes David Weir and Shona Richards running with Chobham Academy students to celebrate the nationwide launch of Marathon Kids - Credit: Archant
“I was quiet pleased, when they asked me to come and show your face and tell your stories and be part of the Marathon Kids.”
The scheme, a partnership between Nike and charity Kids Run Free, aims to provide fun running experiences for children including goal setting, self-tracking, rewards and celebrations.
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“When I was a youngster I was always out, messing about and playing, but we didn’t have computers and stuff like that, so we didn’t have nothing to do indoors until Nintendo’s started to come out in the early 90’s,” he said.
“I still wanted to be out and I see that with my son, his five and Tily is four, they always want to be outside, even if its just going to the park or Mason is always kicking a football.”
David managed to bag himself four of his gold medals just a stone throw away from the school at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
“It’s always a great honour to come back to this area – it’s like a second home too me at the moment,” he added.
“I always get a bit of a tingle, when I drive up this way and I haven’t been up here for a while, so when I see the stadium, the background and stuff like that, the memories start flooding back.”
Principal, Mark Elms, added: “Marathon Kids is a great way for schools to encourage children to be active during the day.
“Our students enjoy tracking their progress towards their marathon goals.
“The teachers have also seen the benefits transfer to the classroom, from improved behaviour to increased concentration.”
Visit marathonkids.co.uk for more information.
