Tennis star puts Fenham pupils through paces

Youngsters were inspired – and put through their sporting paces – when they received a visit from a Paralympian.

GB wheelchair tennis professional Antony Cotterill, who made his Paralympic debut at Rio in 2016, spent a morning at English Martyrs’ Catholic Primary School in Fenham, where he guided over 400 children, from Reception to Year 6, through a series of fitness circuits.

The athlete, who took up the sport in 2004 after breaking his neck in a swimming pool accident, then led a whole-school assembly, where he shared his story and answered questions from his young audience.

“Having a professional athlete and Paralympian in school was a real privilege,” said Anthony Kennedy, who is Acting Head of School at English Martyrs’ and organised the event.

“Antony serves as a powerful role model for children. Through his visit he was able to demonstrate that physical limitations do not prevent success.

“By sharing his story, challenges, and triumphs, he inspired our pupils to push beyond their own barriers, whether physical, mental, or emotional.

“Antony shared his motto of ‘Don’t Give Up’, and I know that many of our pupils will be able to draw on this when they face their own challenges.”

The wheelchair tennis star has won over 40 singles and double titles, including three Super Series doubles. He and his playing partner Andy Lapthorne also won the Quad Title at the 2016 Double Masters, and are both members of the Great World Team Cup quad team.

“We pride ourselves on being a very inclusive school, and having Antony in school also helps break down stereotypes about disability, and promotes a wider culture of inclusion,” continued Mr Kennedy.

“I think having such an interactive and challenging visit, with the circuit training element, also highlights the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle.”

“He was a real inspiration and showed us that even if you have a wheelchair or any other disability, it shouldn’t stop you doing things you enjoy and are good at,” said Molly Jones in Year 5, while classmate Krissy O’Connell said: “I liked his saying of ‘Don’t Give Up’, and I will use it in my own sport of football, because if things are not going good and we are losing, I won’t give up and lose my head – I will keep going.”

“He inspired me with his advice,” agreed Ben Ashley, who is also in Year 5. “I think it could power you on – if you have a dream, you can follow it and overcome problems and accomplish it.”

“The visit definitely inspired me, and the message telling us about never giving up we can all use,” added Hasfa Yasir in Year 6. “You can use it for all sports, or anything you find difficult. If you don’t give up, and keep trying, then you will get better at it.”

The school, which is part of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, also used the occasion to fundraise.

“As part of the event, pupils have been collecting sponsors for taking part in the fitness circuits, and the money raised will be split between charities who support GB athletes and the school, who will be able to invest in upgrading our sports and PE equipment,” explained Mr Kennedy.

“Hopefully it will motivate children to pursue sports, where they may not feel confident but hopefully will embrace challenges, and develop resilience to keep going and to not give up.

“It was great to see the children from Reception to Year 6 all actively taking part in the activities, but, above all, having lots of fun in the process.”