The greats of British athletics hosted a Jaguar Academy of Sport Athletics Masterclass recently. They included Olympic medallists Colin Jackson, Sally Gunnell and Marlon Devonish, newly crowned 400m hurdles World Champion Dai Greene and former World Champion Jamie Baulch. They worked with a group of 50 youngsters and taught them a wide range of athletics skills.
The Masterclass was held at the Birmingham High Performance Centre and the young aspiring athletes were able to work with some British legends of sport and learn all about short and middle distance running, hurdle and relay techniques including the all‑important baton change over.
Colin Jackson, Jaguar Academy of Sport Ambassador, commented: 'Days like today are great for the children and it's fantastic that the Jaguar Academy of Sport can provide this kind of interaction with British children. I have really enjoyed passing on some of my knowledge and let's hope that there could be the next British champion in amongst these youngsters here today.'
Jamie Baulch, Jaguar Academy of Sport Ambassador, commented: 'I have had a great day and it has been a pleasure to work with our potential sports stars of tomorrow. I hope some of the knowledge myself and the guys have provided will inspire them to continue in sport.'
Dai Greene, Jaguar Academy of Sport Member, commented: 'It's great to come back from winning the World Championship title in Daegu and be able to work with interested young children. I understand how difficult it can be to stay in sport, and the Masterclasses that the Jaguar Academy of Sport provides are a great way to encourage young athletes to stick with it.'
The Jaguar Academy of Sport aims to recognise, celebrate and inspire the very best of British sporting talent and success. This is fulfilled through a Bursary Fund and a unique Mentoring and Education Programme delivered through a series of workshops and talent days. Mentoring is key to the Academy and provides all the Rising Stars with the non‑financial support they need in order to be successful and workshops like today, mean our Rising Stars are able to work with Britain's sporting greats and ultimately their heroes who they aspire to be.
(ENDS)
Claire
Boakes
Press
Officer
Jaguar Academy of
Sport
T: 01926
649447
M: 07557
846883
E: cboakes@jaguar.com
Notes to Editors
Website: www.jaguaracademyofsport.co.uk
How to become a rising star
To be eligible for the Jaguar Academy of Sport Bursary Fund, the young athlete, both able‑bodied and those with a disability, should be nominated to SportsAid for financial support by their sports own national governing body (NGB). This ensures the Jaguar Academy of Sport helps to support the right athletes, at the right time, in the right way.
Who are the Members, Patrols and Ambassadors
Members include A P Mccoy, Andrew Flintoff, Gareth Southgate, Olly Barclay and Mo Farah to name but a few are amongst the leading sports personalities who are dedicated to helping young people emulate their success through the Academy.
Patrons; including David Beckham OBE, Sir Ian Botham, Sir Steve Redgrave, Gareth Edwards and Dame Kelly Holmes, our list reads like a 'who's who' of British sporting Legends. Now they are working together, united in one goal; to nurture the next generation of British sporting greats.
Ambassadors; a selection of Olympic gold medal winning athletes, European Champions League winning footballers, Ashes legends and golfing greats.
