Letter: School visit was an inspiration (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Letter: School visit was an inspiration

3:54pm Friday 13th July 2012 in Readers' letters

What a truly inspirational day I had at St Bede’s High School in Blackburn, meeting the young people and teachers.

My heartfelt thanks go to the many staff and pupils who welcomed me so warmly and shared their thoughts, experiences, aspirations and learnings from this initiative.

It was wonderful to see what a positive impact Sky Sports Living for Sport, which uses sports stars and sports skills to improve the lives of thousands of young people, has had on pupils.

Those I met were a credit to St Bede’s and were full of enthusiasm, commitment and energy. As is so often the case on these visits, I came away feeling incredibly inspired myself.

During my time with the pupils at St Bedes, I encouraged them to think about the skills we learn through sport and how these can be applied to improve their lives.

After all, sport helps people think, listen, speak up and work together. I congratulate the students on their achievements, and encourage them to keep focused on reaching their goals.

Sport is not only about talent or winning medals; it brings together all the life skills needed to succeed, including hard work, self-belief, determination and passion.

Charlotte Hartley, Commonwealth bronze medallist (hockey).