Children at a Calverton school were treated to a PE session led by Nottinghamshire’s Team GB medallist Sam Oldham.
The pupils at Manor Park Infant and Nursey School were specially selected by Persimmon Homes Nottingham to enjoy the unique training session as part of the housebuilder’s partnership with Team GB. The school is close to Persimmon’s new Forest View development.
Gymnast Sam Oldham, who won a team bronze medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games, was guest of honour at the school where the pupils completed a warmup session, were able to ask questions about his career as well as admire his medal and Olympic torch.
Headteacher Stefanie Hanson said: “It has been wonderful to welcome Sam to Manor Park Infant and Nursery School. As part of our School values, we aim to give each child the best start in life so they can succeed with confidence and Sam’s inspiring session helped the children to understand that anything is possible, if you work hard.
“He talked about uncovering his own potential and that’s what we want for our pupils, and to see the opportunities ahead of them, he has been absolutely wonderful.
“Thank you to Persimmon Homes and Team GB for helping us to create such a special day for our pupils.”
Sam said: “It was wonderful to be working with children from my home county. I’m very thankful to Persimmon for inviting me along.
“It feels great to give back at the end of my career. I am approaching my final chapter, but these guys are just starting out.
“I never had an athlete come to my school to talk about the amazing things sport can do for you, so hopefully the kids will feel really inspired today to get into sport because it is so important for their mental and physical health – maybe some of them could even be Nottinghamshire Olympians of the future.”
Neil Follows, managing director of Persimmon Homes Nottingham, added: “We are always keen to support the communities where we are building, so it was an honour to introduce Sam to the children of Manor Park Infant and Nursery School as part of our partnership with Team GB.
“Sam inspired the children with details of his Olympic journey and a demonstration of his amazing gymnastic skills, and then encouraged them to try some activities themselves. The children were captivated, and I expect many will want to take up gymnastics.”