Olympian helps students to aim high

Olympic long jumper Chris Tomlinson visits South Tyneside College

Chris, one of Britain’s greatest ever long jumpers, inspired them through a motivational talk and a display of his prowess.

The Sport England Sporting Champion told them anything was possible in their careers if they push themselves to achieve their goals.

The 34-year-old who has represented Great Britain at the Olympic Games and World Championship, spoke to learners taking part in the college’s Sportivate multi sport project.

It is a six-week programme of sporting challenges and a key initiative to create a sporting legacy from the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London.

He said: “It was great to visit the college and to encourage the group and share my experience of proudly representing Great Britain.

“Everyone involved was enthusiastic and took a full and active part in activities.

“Sportivate is a fantastic way of getting young people into sport and that is something I am really passionate about.

“I believe that as a Sport England Sporting Champion, I can inspire everyone in attendance to raise their aspirations of what they can achieve and motivate them to be the very best versions of themselves that they can be.

“I am thrilled to be supporting this project and to share my knowledge and experience with the next generation of young sportsmen and sportswomen.”

Chris also led students at the St George’s Campus in South Shields in a game of Ultimate Frisbee on the college’s sports fields.

His visit, which involved youngsters on foundation studies and sports courses, was delivered by Sportivate funding provided through Tyne and Wear Sports Partnership, on behalf of Sport England.

Rob Grainey, the college’s sport maker, said: “It was great to have an athlete of such international stature with us.

“Chris spoke to students about his career and what it takes to get the best out of yourself and to push for your dreams.

“Hopefully they have taken his words on board and will be inspired to follow their own path to success.”

Sportivate is the £56m National Lottery-funded Olympic and Paralympic legacy initiative that gives 11 to 25-year-olds who are not particularly sporty six to eight weeks’ coaching in a new sport.