Bronze Programme with Laura Sugar at Leen Mills Primary School October 2021

“I usually say yes… Sometimes I wish I hadn’t. But saying yes has led me to all these amazing places!”

The Mintridge Foundation had an exciting and eventful day at Leen Mills Primary School with GB Paralympic Gold Medallist Laura Sugar, who returned from Tokyo just a few weeks ago!

Laura kick started the day with a thought-provoking assembly to KS1 and KS2 students, whereby we learnt all about her disability – talipes (club foot) – and why this affects how she competes. Despite this, Laura never let anything stand in the way of doing what she loved most, and she has since competed in a variety of sports, including hockey, athletics, and of course canoeing, in which she won Gold at the Tokyo Paralympic Games.

For the pupils at Leen Mills, Laura represents a brilliant role model for aspiring female athletes, as well as sending a wider message that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

Following the presentation, KS2 students got the chance to have coaching sessions with Laura, who tested their reaction skills and encouraged them to come up with their own exercises throughout the day. They all got the chance to see Laura’s shiny gold medal, as well as ask her some intriguing questions about becoming a Paralympian and her career journey.

Some of the best included:

Were you sad when you heard that the Paralympics would be delayed by a year?

    How do you deal with nerves before a race?

      Who inspired you to become a Paralympian?

     How many medals do you have?

What was your worst injury?

Have you ever wanted to quit and do something else?

It was great to see all the pupils engaging with Laura so well and taking inspiration from her positive and resilient approach to life, where despite her disability and several severe injury setbacks, Laura has always come out stronger and more determined in whatever sport she has taken up.

Thank you to all the staff and students at Leen Mills Primary School for making this a wonderful and heart-warming day!

If you are interested in a virtual or physical Programme with Laura Sugar or any of our other inspirational Ambassadors, then please get in touch via the Mintridge website at www.mintridgefoundation.org.uk or with Katie at katie@mintridge.org.uk.

The Mintridge Foundation is a registered charity dedicated to enhancing life skills in young people through sport. We provide a support network for young people by harnessing the power of positive sporting role models. The Mintridge Foundation assists young people of all ages, abilities, and physical capabilities to develop confidence and resilience, and creates awareness of the importance of mental and physical wellbeing through sport.

Our team of Ambassadors - Olympians, Paralympians and other professional sports stars from over 20 sports, both team and individual - work with young people in schools, clubs and academies across the UK. Starting with visits including assemblies, coaching clinics and classroom sessions tailored to each organisation’s requirements, our ambassadors can then provide one- on- one remote mentoring in a safeguarded environment, delivered via technology such as FitSwarm and Playwaze to build a lasting legacy for individuals.

The Mintridge Foundation’s successes demonstrate the incredible power of sport; from a mentee’s selection to represent Great Britain in their chosen field to enabling disabled children to find confidence and happiness just through participation. Understanding life after sport, we also support our Ambassadors in their transition from active sport to the next stage of their careers.

To find out more about the Mintridge Foundation, please contact Alex Wallace.

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