A sports-themed youth engagement programme, Get Set, is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of its launch at the London 2012 Olympics.
The ensuing decade has reportedly seen it used by over 30,000 schools in the UK, with more than 85% of teachers reporting an improvement in their pupils’ motivation, self-confidence, teamworking skills and aspiration levels.
Get Set’s free, cross-curricular resources include lesson plans, films and inspirational stories.
“The programme has opened up many opportunities to staff and pupils to live active, healthier lifestyles,” said Catherine Slater, PE subject lead at Curwen primary school in east London. “We have seen a lasting impact since we’ve been a part of the programme over the last 10 years.”
The school hosted two special visitors to mark the anniversary, namely three-time Paralympic swimming champion, Ollie Hynd, and Olympic gold-claiming rower, Moe Sbihi.
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“It’s hugely important to have initiatives like Get Set,” said Sbihi. “You learn the rules of competition, you learn that winning isn’t always a given and that you don’t win every single thing that you play, but then that makes you appreciate the hard work that gets put in.
“Seeing the kids run around and have fun today has just been inspirational and it makes me want to get involved and be competitive. Having never had something like this for myself, I know how special it is for these children to experience. I just hope that someone in the crowd gets inspired to take up a sport and hopefully, in 10 or 20 years’ time, they’re the people that are winning the Olympic medals.”
The 10-year anniversary has seen Get Set launch a series of resources reflecting on London 2012, with flexible lesson plans based around athletes and volunteers who have inspired positive change.
Nominations are also open for Get Set’s Values Champions awards, recognising students “who have been exceptional in demonstrating Olympic or Paralympic values in their day-to-day lives”.
The 10 winners will be announced later in the year.
