GCSE students at Lewes Old Grammar School (LOGS) had the opportunity to meet two world class athletes this week, when British Olympian Abi Oyepitan and Paralympian Kate Grey visited the school.
LOGS pupils who set a school record at last year’s Sports Day were treated to a talk and practical workshop with Abi, the fastest woman in the country for both the 100m and 200m, and Kate, who won silver in the 2008 Beijing Paralympics.
Assembled into teams, they took part in specially designed activities to improve their mental toughness, people skills, sports and life knowledge, as well as to inspire them to break barriers and strive for success.
The highlight of the day came when Abi and Kate spoke to students about the personal challenges they had faced on their way to international success. After the 2004 Olympics, Abi experienced huge injury setbacks and had to undergo three major operations, while Kate lost her left hand in an accident aged just two years old.
The athletes said that they hoped their stories would encourage pupils to overcome any obstacles they might face, and to pursue their dreams no matter what.
The students said it was a great honour to work with someone so committed to their sport, who has a real understanding of what true dedication means – Robyn Stone, PE teacher at LOGS
Robyn Stone, a PE teacher at LOGS, said: ‘The pupils were engrossed in Abi’s speech and you could see that they were inspired by her story. The students said it was a great honour to work with someone so committed to their sport, who has a real understanding of what true dedication means. I am so pleased that the PE team and Sky Academy were able to offer students such a fantastic morning.”
