Athlete Is Inspiration For Wimbledon Pupils

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How to be the 'Best you can be'

Pupils from a Wimbledon primary school have been inspired by three-times Paralympian Tim Prendergast.

The New Zealand middle distance runner was at Pelham Primary School for the launch of their 21st Century Legacy programme.

Part of a national campaign to be rolled out to schools across the country, the programme called 'Be the best you can be' is designed to inspire, engage and empower students at the school.

To launch the scheme, the 1500m runner spoke at the school assembly about how, with hard work and dedication, anything is achievable.

Following assembly, he visited each class to speak to the children about how he has overcome his own hurdle of visual impairment to become one of the best in the world at his sport. He is pictured (right) with some of the youngsters.

The 'Be the best you can be' programme will be integrated with the school's curriculum. The children will be given the opportunity to discover and develop the skills they need to pursue their dreams and achieve success in life.

Maria Keenan, school headteacher, said: "I was determined that our school would be one of the schools to benefit from the programme as it begins to roll out nationally. I am pleased Tim Pendergast was able to help us celebrate at our launch and look forward to delivering this exciting and transformational programme."

Council Cabinet member for education, Councillor Peter Walker, who was present at the launch, said: "It is great to have a programme like this in one of Merton’s schools. I hope it inspires children to perform over and above the level they feel they can achieve."

January 26, 2012