Sprint star inspires youngsters
Commonwealth Gold medal winning 200m runner Leon Baptiste at Stowmarket High School.
Double commonwealth gold medal sprinter Leon Baptiste visited Stowmarket High School on Monday.
He spoke to students about what it takes to become a top sportsperson and coached an indoor practical class.
The visit was organised by the Gipping Valley and Thurston Sports partnership as part of Sky Sports ‘Living for Sport’ programme, an initiative that uses sports stars and sports skills to boost confidence, change behaviours, increase attainment and improve life skills of students.
William Hopkin-Jones from the partnership said: “Leon talked to the children about what it takes to be an athlete and that it is not all plain sailing.
“Pupils could see it is tough work and that you’ve just got to pick yourself up and keep on trying.

“It was amazing seeing Leon having the full attention of our year 11s.
“Leon was happy to chat to anyone and let them to hold his medals - they really enjoyed it.”
PE teacher Tom West said: “This truly was an outstanding opportunity for our gifted and talented students.
“Leon gave them great insight into the qualities required to achieve success at the highest level.

“Hopefully, they will take on board what they have learnt and use it to push themselves further in their individual sports.”
- New mayor drives through Tesco’s doors
- Leading role given to ‘trailblazing’ schools
- Old friends form new group with man who toured in hit band
- World’s first professor of networking to speak at West Suffolk College business breakfast
- Future of HMV in Bury St Edmunds is secured after business is sold by administrators
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Bury St Edmunds
Friday 24 May 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 6 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: North

