This is the sixth year that Deer Park has participated in the scheme and we have really seen our Young Leaders develop their skills. We would like to congratulate our 19 current Young Leaders on becoming the best we have seen to date.

Sky Sports Living for Sport uses sports stars and skills learnt through sport to build confidence and develop life skills. 

Pupils listened Jamie tell his inspirational story, coming from failure and injury and almost not being able to walk, to becoming the most successful and fastest British downhill snowboarder. His story is awe inspiring and  the pupils really enjoyed listening to how Jamie kept going and going in times of struggle.

The pupils learnt about the Six Key Steps to Success:

1. Mental toughness
2. Hunger to achieve
3. People skills
4. Sports and life knowledge
5. Breaking barriers
6. Planning for success

Jamie and Thinis helped the pupils to understand the key steps through fun team games, providing them with the opportunities to unlock their potential as leaders. 

After two hours the pupils moved into the Sports Hall to put their new knowledge into a practical setting. The Young Leaders completed a range of games and activities focused on the six skills of success. These included reaction games, team building exercises and relay races. Each activity was highly competitive with pupils demonstrating excellent resilience, communication and team work. After each activity our pupils had chance to reflect on the skills that they used and were awarded prizes for their answers.

Dan said that he “really liked it because the Sky Sport coaches were inspiring us to never give up. My favourite activity was the Cone Reaction game which was really fun.”

Lauren said that that she thought “it was really good, it gets you thinking and working together."

Our thanks to both Thinus and Jamie for coming and spending their day with us.