Sporty fun day for talented children

Thirty four sporty children aged nine to 11 years from five local primary schools '“ Kingslea, Shelley, St Mary's (Pulborough), Holbrook and Southwater Junior Academy - enjoyed a gifted and talented day staged at Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre recently by Horsham District Sports Development and leisure operator, Places for People, working in partnership.

Children enjoying the gifted and talented workshop

The day opened with workshops in basic sports psychology and healthy nutrition before moving into more strenuous gear with plyometric and fitness measurement territory with staff members of the BBHLC fitness team, including national discus ace Jade Lally.

Ex-professional footballer Andy Thomson advised children on the thrills of pursuing a career in professional sport but the wisdom of having a back up plan if it doesn’t work out.

After a lunchtime sports quiz, won by Charlotte Lewington and Freya Bell from Shelley School with 29 correct answers out of 30, the children undertook the gruelling bleep test to test their cardio-vascular capacity and benefited from more physical training knowledge from Lally.

The day ended with the children working in teams of three to circulate around 12 sporting challenge stations, recording their results as they went.

High demand has meant that another, similar day will be staged in two weeks’ time.