Inspirational Visit from Olympian at Bishop's CE Primary Academy

June 18, 2021

The Bishop’s Church of England Primary Academy in partnership with Sports For Champions UK (CIC) ran a fundraiser to help support the mental and physical health of their pupils after the national lockdowns raising £954.80.

The Bishop’s Church of England Primary Academy in partnership with Sports For Champions UK (CIC) ran a fundraiser to help support the mental and physical health of their pupils after the national lockdowns raising £954.80.

The Bishop’s Church of England Primary Academy, managed by the Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust, (DNEAT), hosted an inspirational workshop with bobsleigh Olympian, Montell Douglas, on Friday 11 June 2021.

During the school assembly, Montell showed her medals and shared her story on how she achieved Olympic status to help capture the imagination of the pupils and inspire healthier active lifestyles. She also discussed her personal challenges on the road to success, with resilience, nutrition, diet, and dedication forming key topics.

Montell Douglas said: “I am an Olympian having represented Team GB at the 2008 Summer Olympics and represented GB as a reserve for the 2018 Winter Olympics. I am also a former 100m British record holder, now being the 2nd fastest of all time and I am also a Commonwealth Games medallist, picking up the gold in the 4x100m in 2010, England’s first in 25 years. In my spare time I love going to the movies! I was even a special action extra in ‘Justice League’ as a Wonder Woman Amazonian warrior. I love talking with people and helping them better their mental health and wellbeing!”

Oliver Burwood, CEO of Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust (DNEAT) said: “Fitness is essential for every young person’s general wellbeing, physical and mental health and this exciting day for the pupils of The Bishop’s Church of England Primary Academy is going to be memorable.”

Henry Armes, Business and Resource Manager of The Bishop’s said: “We were delighted to work with Sports For Champions UK and host Montell Douglas who is an inspirational role model for our pupils. Sports For Champions CIC offers schools the benefit of an added investment on resources/facilities, whilst helping athletes with the funds required to sustain their journey with a contribution towards training and competition fees, medical costs, equipment, and more. Our school has some really exciting rejuvenation plans to our outside space coming up and the funds raised will help us implement these projects.”

Chris Read, Interim Headteacher of The Bishop’s Church of England Primary Academy said: “We are actively seeking enhancing our existing curriculum to support our community as we move on from the national lockdowns. The visit from Montell Douglas will provide opportunities for children and staff will focus improving their physical and mental wellbeing. The Bishop’s CofE Primary Academy will benefit from the money raised to invest additional resources and equipment to encourage active play.”