Loughborough school children taught PE by gold medal athletes

They had a Triathlon masterclass.

To launch British Triathlon’s Active Skills for Life Campaign two gold medal athletes taught a PE session at a school in Quorn.

On the 22nd of June children from St Bartholomew's Primary School took part in a lesson all about the key skills needed to master swimming, cycling and running.

Helen Marney, Development Director of British Triathlon said: The government’s guidance says that all children should be able to swim 25m unaided and use a range of strokes effectively by the time they leave primary school. We know that only 72% of children aged 11 achieve this. In less affluent families this lowers to just 35%."

Helen Marney told Fosse 107 why these skills are so important.

British Triathlon's Active Skills for Life initiative aims to empower 'children with the confidence, skills, and opportunities to lead healthy and active lives on and off the playing field'.

Connor Bentley, a GB Triathlete, who taught the lesson at St Bartholomew's Primary School said: “I started my sporting journey while I was at primary school, competing in cross country and swimming galas. At my secondary school, Adams’ Grammar (now Haberdashers’ Adams), I was given opportunities to try a variety of sports. Encouraged and supported by the teachers, my confidence developed. I really took to cross-country running and, from school competitions, I qualified to race for England. School played their part in developing me into the person and athlete I am today, where I now represent Team GB.”

The initiative offers a range of resources and activities that are fun and inclusive, encouraging children to embrace an active lifestyle.