Case Study - Champions in Schools, Campbeltown Grammar

 Athletes Donna and Fiona Robertson have represented Scotland since 1986 in both judo and wrestling. They are also part of the Champions in Schools programme, a role-model programme that places Scotland’s top international athletes in the classroom to deliver a series of inspirational workshops on the topics of goal-setting, fitness and nutrition, and winning attitudes.

Their most recent Champions in Schools visit was to Campbeltown Grammar School. Mental Wealth was the theme of this visit. Donna and Fiona called upon their own experiences of working towards success and overcoming setbacks when providing a range of practical life skills the pupils can use to achieve their goals and dreams.

The young people also got a chance to practice their new toolbox of skills when Donna and Fiona took them to the gym to learn how to throw and pin their opponents using judo skills.

Determination surfaced quickly as the group focussed hard on learning the moves then used them to drop their opponents to the ground. Resilience in the face of attack could be seen in the intense concentration of pupils. Self-belief dawned in those who eventually managed to pin their opponent down.

 But above all the group were left smiling and enjoying the experience. No matter whether they were defending or attacking the young people could see that physical activity not only teaches great life skills, but that it is FUN!