Pro Sportsman Chris Cook Puts Students Through Their Paces

January 2013

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Professional swimmer, Chris Cook who competed for Great Britain for nearly 10 years before retiring from international swimming in 2009, has recently visited King James as part of the Sky Sports: Living for Sport project.

Chris inspired students in Years 7 and 10 at a special assembly in which he talked about his successful career, his commitment to his sport, the sacrifices he had made to reach the top and about his sporting achievements. He also brought along his Commonwealth Gold medal.

Following the assembly, Chris worked with Year 10 students at a special session designed to test their fitness levels; this led to the beginning of a three month long Personal Exercise Programme, which will go towards the new GCSE PE qualification that we have introduced this academic year.

Students will improve their fitness levels using a training circuit designed by Chris during the visit and record their progress to demonstrate their personal improvement over a twelve-week period.

Peter Ramsey, our Sports Development Officer said: "Students really made the most of having a visit from a professional sportsman. The fitness training requires a high level of dedication but our Year 10's are embracing the challenge. Visits like these are inspiring for both students and staff; they show us all what can be achieved through hard work and commitment. It's a valuable lesson in life."

During the visit Chris tweeted:

Today at King James I Academy. Running fitness sessions for GCSE PE. Students are excellent.