We took three leading para-athletes back to their primary schools to meet the teachers who helped them on their journey to success and pass on their top tips to the next generation.
As the official legal partner of British Athletics, we arranged for Hannah Cockroft, Harrison Walsh and Thomas Young to join in with PE. As role models in their local communities, the athletes were excited to step back into the classroom.
Teaching children about inclusivity is really important. It shows them that having a disability, or feeling a little bit different, isn’t a barrier to fulfilling your dreams.
The athletes all share the same ethos of focusing on what they can do, rather than the things they can’t. Their primary school experiences have been key building blocks for their success. The value of finding solutions and making things work is a message they want to share with future generations.
We gave the children the chance to ask lots of questions and encouraged them to imagine what’s possible, so nothing feels impossible.
Watch our videos to see how the children responded.
Hannah Cockroft
“Everything in my childhood was just about giving it a go.”
As a child, Hannah was the first disabled child to attend Wainstalls School in Halifax. Now, she’s an ambassador for the school, whose motto is, “Together we can.”
We took Hannah back to Wainstalls to share her sporting journey with a new generation. For today’s pupils, she’s an example of what children from their school can achieve. By giving them the chance to ask questions, see her medals, and join her PE lesson, Hannah was able to show them that, with an inclusive environment, the right mindset, and support from those around you, anything is possible.
Harrison Walsh
“Be open to the opportunities.”
Harrison’s can-do attitude was recognised during his time as a pupil at Oystermouth Primary School in Mumbles, Swansea. Driven to achieve, he started his sporting career on the rugby pitch, but a life-changing injury on the field led him to pursue new opportunities in para-sport.
Now a decorated discus thrower, Harrison embodies the school motto, “Believe, Achieve, Shine Bright.” Taking him back to school sparked exciting conversations with the children about their future goals, helping them to believe that they can also achieve anything they set their mind to.
Thomas Young
“Everyone’s born a champion. It’s about finding out what you’re champion at.”
Thomas’ love of sport can be traced back to his school days and the teacher who encouraged him to succeed. Now a para-sprinter, we took Thomas back to school to meet Mr McMillan, the person who introduced him to athletics and told him to never give up.
Sharing his passion for sport and answering questions from the pupils gave Thomas a chance to inspire the next generation, showing them that nothing should hold them back.
Further reading
Find out how we’ve inspired others through our partnership with British Athletics.
Through our Imagine campaign, our clients share their amazing stories to show others what’s possible with the right mindset and support around you.
Our Imagine magazine is packed with stories from our clients who are navigating life-changing injuries and illnesses, as well as legal updates, commentary, and invitations to our upcoming events.
We invited British Athletics to join us for an inclusive sports day at Bettridge School.
Competition winner, Praise Okelade, met Hannah Cockroft for a day of wheelchair racing at her track.
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