Olympic Athlete inspires Students

Sport Leaders fly the flag for The Henry Cort Community College.  This year our Sport Leaders have attended various courses and several conferences including Young Ambassadors and Step into Sport Inclusive Training. 

The latest opportunity is the Sky Sport Living for Sport Project.  Olympic Volleyball player Jake Sheaf visited The Henry Cort Community College on Friday 3 February as part of the Sky Sport Living for Sport Athlete Mentor Project.  Jake Sheaf is one of 90 Athlete Mentors who are assigned to schools and was assigned to The Henry Cort Community College.

Jake Sheaf with Sport Leaders

The Sky Sport Living for Sport Project uses sport stars and sport skills to improve the lives of thousands of young people.  Sport helps people think, helps people listen, helps people to speak up and helps people work together.  Different sports inspire different people but one thing is true: there's a sport for everyone and it can change your life.

Jake Sheaf started playing beach volleyball at an early age while watching his mum Mandy represent England at tournaments around the world. Jake started to take the sport seriously at the age of 14 when he was accepted into the U17 England squad.

Speaking about his role as an Athlete Mentor, Jake commented: “Sky Sports Living for Sport is a great initiative and I can really the positive impact it makes on young people. I am really looking forward to continuing to share my experiences with the students and relating to the issues that they may be facing. The programme is intended to give students the confidence to overcome anything and not give up on their dreams and I hope I can inspire them to do just that.”

Ellie Cherrington (14) commented “Jake Sheaf inspired me because he taught me not to let anyone or anything stand in your way if you want to achieve your dreams as he did.  His dreams became a reality.

Amy Gibbons (13) said “Jake Sheaf has inspired me to believe in myself.  He has encouraged me to battle through the obstacles I may face to ensure that I will be able to conquer my dreams.  Everything that you do gets you closer to your goal so never give up.”

PE Teacher, Miss Annie Eyre commented: “The day spent with Jake went really well and all the students who were involved really enjoyed themselves.  They had the opportunity to learn how to play volleyball with expert advice and managed to participate in games with long rallies and great success. Jake spent the morning working with a select group of students from Years 7, 8 & 9.  This time included talking with Jake about his experience and background, as well as focusing on the 6 steps to success as stated by Sky Sports / Youth Sports Trust.  All students involved thoroughly enjoyed themselves and I hope feel a little more inspired to take part in all kinds of sport.”

Claudia Cubbage, Principal said, “It is always a delight to have visitors into college to tell their story.  Jake was hugely inspirational and the students gained so much from working with him.”

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