Judo Star Visit Academy

SuperUser Account / 26 November 2013 / Categories: News

Commonwealth Judo gold medallist and double Olympian Michelle Rogers visited Salford City Academy

Swinton-based Michelle kicked-off the six week programme on 12th November, which uses sport-led sessions to help boost life skills and build aspirations in participants.

Emma Breen, Director of Sport, said: "The aim of this project is to use sport to increase the students' confidence, engagement in their studies and help them to focus on their dreams and goals."

Gold medal winner Michelle led the first session with inspirational discussions and motivational activities focused on the values needed to achieve life goals, which for Michelle was to be a professional athlete.

Students also had the opportunity to learn basic judo moves and tackled Michelle and each other using their newly acquired skills! The ongoing programme will also see students experience Thai Boxing, Lacrosse and Karate.

After the session, Michelle said: "If there's one thing I wanted the students to take from this it was that if you have a dream, then go after it and don't let go.  The only limitations they face are the ones they put on themselves. I hope they all have a go and enjoy trying out new sports!"

With 18 academy students taking part, the project will culminate in the students co-ordinating a sport transition day for local primary children, as well as organising a celebration event.

Commenting on the impact the mentoring programme has already had nationwide, Salford City Academy Principal Mike Cording said: "This is an excellent initiative and the perfect tie-in for the academy's sports specialism. We're also very fortunate to have incredibly talented individuals, such as Michelle who has made it to the very top of her sport, passing on their skills and expertise to our students."