British athletes visit Thetford primary school to inspire the next generation

A buzz of excitement filled the corridors as two British athletes visited a Thetford primary school for a fun-filled day of activities.

Admirals Academy welcomed 100m and 200m sprinter Deji Tobais and para-athlete long jumper Ryan Raghoo who were met with enthusiasm from pupils.

The youngsters were put through their paces with a number of indoor and outdoor sessions held by the athletes.

This included relays and sprint exercises which saw the children working in teams.

Pupil Michael Dixon said the experience was “amazing”.

The nine-year-old said: “My favourite part was the races. I have learnt how to have good sportsmanship and friendships by playing with other people I would not normally been playing with.”

The youngsters were also treated to an assembly where both athletes explained their sporting stories and motivations.

Mr Raghoo, a British record holder in the T-36 long jump, has cerebral palsy and said his goal with the school visits is to inspire children.

He said: “Growing up I did not have anyone from my background with a disability going into schools. Most young people will not know about my disability.

“It allows me to break down their barriers to disability and teach them that anything is possible. My goal is to inspire them in life. It shows the pupils that someone has made it against the odds.”

Year five teacher Amy Jackson said the pupils have been inspired by the visit of the athletes, which was organised through Athletes IN Schools.

“It has created quite a buzz,” she said. “I think it is really lovely that the whole school has taken part. A lot of them have said they want to take up an Olympic sport. This is what you remember from school.

“The assembly was fantastic. Everyone was engaged and no one made a sound. Ryan’s story had a massive affect on the pupils.”

The athletes also held an autograph signing session for the pupils.

“I like coming to schools because I feel like it is a change for me to relay my experiences and a change to give back,” said Mr Tobais, who was a 100m silver medallist and 4x100m relay champion in the 2013 European Under-23 Championships.

“I’ve done it for three or four years. I want to inspire the next generation.”