ISLAND Games record holder and international sports star Andy Frost went back to school on Friday (Feb 29) to present medals to potential young stars of the future.
The hammer throwing athlete returned to school to present medals to six pupils who have qualified for further coaching under the Isle of Wight Council’s Search for a Star programme that aims to identify young athletes early.
Six children from Bembridge Primary School displayed extraordinary skill and talent during Year Four trials held at every Island primary since September. More students from Bembridge Primary were selected for further coaching than from any other primary.
The Bembridge youngsters will join pupils from other primaries in the further training at Medina Leisure Centre.
There, they will be given the chance to hone their skills in a range of sporting and multi-skilled activities – helped by a team of highly motivated coaches and young leaders.
Tina Baker, Headteacher of Bembridge Primary School said “We have worked hard over the last 2 years to improve our provision in PE, this year we achieved our Sports Activemark for the second year running and are justly proud of our 6 pupils who achieved so well in this programme”.
Young people taking part will be given the opportunity to engage in a number of high quality yet fun activities where it is hoped that the children will take up specialist sports of their choice.
Andy Frost said: “I made my choice to develop my love of sport through athletics but the Sports Development Academy has the potential to give so much more to our talented children, perhaps even leading to future Island Games medallists and future international athletes.
“I wish the programme every success.”
Isle of Wight Council leader and cabinet member for leisure Councillor David Pugh added: “This excellent programme aims to nurture the huge range of sporting talent which we have on the Island.
“We are staging the Island Games in 2011 and this important programme will hopefully identify young sports stars of the future who can take part in future international competition.”
Andy Day Partnership Development Manager for the Sandown School Sports Partnership said “The search for a star programme is an excellent example of partnership working between the council, schools and local sports club and will provide a great opportunity for children to develop all the core skills needed to play any sport.”
