2,500 of London’s schoolkids, teachers and parents attended the Müller Anniversary Games last month as part of the Active Kids Do Better programme, writes Clara Gaspar…
British Athletics, in partnership with Nike and Discovery Education, invited the children to the games in order to celebrate the progress that they had made in getting active through play and sport during the past school year as part of their Active Kids Do Better initiative.
Pupils from across Bexley, Greenwich, Herne Hill, Walworth, Sidcup, Rotherhithe, Balham and Lewisham attended from schools including Bishop Ridley CE Primary School, De Lucy Primary School, Jessop Primary School, Michael Faraday Primary School, Orchard Primary School, St. John’s RC Primary School, Trinity St. Mary’s Primary School and Turnham Primary School
The Active Kids Do Better scheme launched in February 2018, run by Nike as part of their commitment to make children more active.
It encourages children to participate in at least one hour of physical activity in schools, and encourages schools to participate by offering free resources, games and activities to all UK primary schools.
The resources offer teachers short-burst classroom activities as well as outdoor games and exercises to perform with their pupils. If they choose to make a special Active Teacher pledge, they may encourage their class to work towards Bronze, Silver and Gold awards.
The programme is based on research that suggests that regular physical activity has links to improved physical health, mental wellbeing and attainment in schoolwork, and its resources have been downloaded by nearly 1,000 schools across the UK so far.
Paula Radcliffe, British marathon champion, commented: “It’s great to be back at the London Stadium for the Müller Anniversary Games and to see so much excitement from the 2,500 school kids, teachers and parents who are here to celebrate getting active with Nike and Discovery Education.
“Kids are made to play and it’s fantastic to see how by being active and having fun they are benefiting, both physically and mentally.
“I’m proud to be working with Nike to help inspire more kids to get active through the power of play and truly believe that this helps any child achieve their potential.”
Deborah Sears, teacher at Bishop Ridley CE Primary School, commended the experience: “The children had great time at The Muller Anniversary Games.
“They were really excited when they heard about the invite. Our pupils were inspired by the athletes competing – as were our teachers and we’re focused on making physical activity a part of every school day.”
Active Kids Do Better is available to UK primary schools. Visit: activekidsdobetter.co.uk to learn more.