Media and Research

Sporting Greats Join Pupils To Celebrate

6 June 2011

Three years after its launch, Champions in Schools celebrated its continuing success when some of Scotland’s inspirational sporting figures joined dozens of school-pupils to share their experience of the influential role model programme.

On 9 June at Deans Community High School, pupils from West Lothian schools were joined by the likes of former British Lion and Scotland rugby captain Gregor Townsend, Olympic judo star Michelle Rogers and GB Paralympic wheelchair tennis ace Kevin Simpson.

To date, Champions in Schools, a flagship programme of the business-led charity Winning Scotland Foundation has worked with 30 of Scotland’s top sporting role models to directly engage over 2000 pupils across 100 Scottish primary and secondary schools.

Borders Council, West Lothian, East Lothian, Edinburgh, East Renfrewshire and Perth & Kinross Council are local authorities already partnering a programme that ultimately aims to help combat key social issues including rising obesity levels among school-aged children.

Through attending three separate workshop based classroom visits in an academic year, the CiS role models encourage pupils to set and achieve personal targets, adopt a healthy attitude to food choices and pursue an active lifestyle.

Gordon Ford, Deputy Chief Executive said “Sport is a fantastic vehicle which can open up new opportunities and learning experiences for young people whilst driving home important health messages. Champions in Schools clearly fits this bill and Active Schools, primary and secondary schools in West Lothian have been delighted to be involved with the programme.”

Commenting on the positive impact of the CiS programme, its co-founder, the former Scotland rugby captain Gregor Townsend commented: “Working with our partners, Winning Scotland Foundation has helped children involved with the Champions in Schools programme take a very positive step forward in recognising the importance of leading an active and healthy lifestyle, and achieving goals in their lives through effort, hard work and positive thinking.

“I hope the positive results being delivered by participating schools, including West Lothian, will now inspire more local authority areas across the country to implement the Champions in Schools programme and take a positive step forward in helping more young Scots adopt a ‘can do’ attitude in sport and life.”