Students get their running shoes on in support of national cycle challenge

10 Apr 2018 02:27

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HUNDREDS of school children across Stockport did their bit to support two cyclists on their way to completing a mammoth bike ride in aid of Sport Relief.
Stockport Academy teamed up with sister schools Manchester Academy, William Hulme’s Grammar School and Salford City Academy to support United Learning’s RideABC challenge.
For the entire day, activities at the Cheadle Heath-based school were linked directly to the gruelling week-long task set by the group’s Head of Sport Shaun Dowling and Educational Technologist Bruce Wilson. The pair visited Stockport Academy as part of a 600-mile route taking them from Kent to Scotland that they were cycling in order to raise money for Sport Relief and United Learning’s SITUPS project.
Students got into school extra early to get involved in a range of sporting activities, before cheering Shaun and Bruce as they set off at 8am. The entire school also came together to run a mile around the school grounds to help raise money for the charity.
During lessons, students were challenged to fill a ‘Sports Bingo’ card, which involved them completing 50 sets each of a number of activities such as skipping, throwing a ball and kicking a football. Every student who finished their card was entered into a prize draw to win sports-related goodies.
Shaun Dowling said: “We are delighted to have teamed up with Sport Relief this year for RideABC, as well as raising money for United Learning’s own SITUPS charity. We have already been overwhelmed by the support United Learning schools have given this project and are thrilled that so many of our students will have the opportunity to be involved in some exciting physical challenges, all whilst raising money for two brilliant charities.”
Janine McCann, Principal for Stockport Academy, said: “This has really been a day to remember and it was brilliant to see everyone in school so engaged in sport. The money raised through activities such as non-uniform on the day will be going towards a fantastic cause and it is wonderful that students have taken steps towards leading an active and healthy lifestyle while benefiting others at the same time.”