The current four time national champion paracyclist spent a full day at the Academy, as part of the Sky Sports Living For Sport programme.
The visit saw Craig work with BTEC Sport pupils on a variety of practical activities and classroom-based learning aiming at improving life skills to help them excel in their sporting careers. Craig set the pupils a number of challenges that addressed their problem solving abilities while improving communication and people skills, and aimed to inspire the pupils onto a path of planning for future success.
Pupils with mobility difficulties from other year groups across the Academy also took part, and enjoyed hearing Craig’s inspirational story.
The visit was organised by our Director of PE & Performing Arts Mr Lee Allington.
Mr Allington explained:
“Our BTEC Sport pupils are developing a project to run a festival of football with our Year 7s. By registering that project with Sky Sports’ Living For Sport Programme, our school gains the support of an Athlete Mentor, in our case Craig McCann.
“The pupils got so much out of the day and were really motivated in the classroom tasks as well as the more practical challenges. Craig was the perfect person for them to share their aspirations with. His words and the activities certainly helped them to feel more confident about achieving them.”
Throughout the day Craig McCann inspired the 15 and 16 year old pupils with his attitude to overcoming adversity – his motto ‘Make every obstacle an opportunity’ was at the heart of the day’s activities.
Paralympic cyclist Craig McCann said:
“I shared with the group the lessons I have learned on my own journey and aimed to develop skills that will help them in their everyday lives. The pupils all absolutely threw themselves into the activities and practical challenges I set them. They brought with them the right attitudes to push themselves and gave nothing less than 100% all day.
“I’m certain the pupils got a great deal out of the visit and am hopeful that they will go on to use the skills we practised for the rest of their lives.”
We’re looking forward to welcoming Craig McCann back to the Academy during the summer term.
