Sunnyhill pupils who raised cash for professional athletes got a visit from a Team GB sprinter and European medallist last week

Sunnyhill primary school in Streatham were also put through their paces with a day of sporting activity raising money along the way.

Rion Pierre, a Team GB athlete and part of Inspired Through Sport, an organisation that supports Team GB athletes with appearances in schools to help fund expensive training, travel and nutrition costs.

Rion came and chatted with all of the children in special inspirational assemblies and chatted about his challenges, achievements and future ambitions in his athletic career.

Rion began his sporting career as a former Chelsea FC and England Schoolboy football player and swapped to athletics after sustaining an injury and hasn’t looked back since.

The whole school got involved in a fun fitness circuit and Question and Answer sessions.

Over £1,400 was raised with half of it helping towards Team GB athletes training costs and future community costs with the other half going towards updating school sports equipment to create the next generation of Olympic stars.

“It was great to be part of today at Sunnyhill and also see active teachers pushing the children and leading by example.

“When a child sees their teachers getting involved and getting stuck in it inspires them to do the same.

“Passive teachers create passive children and so it really is about activity and participation.

“To see these children of all ages from Year 1 to Year 6 and the teachers involved too had a positive effect on the activation and energy levels.

“Well done Sunnyhill kids.”

Heidi Shabankareh, PE Co-ordinator and Year 6 teacher at Sunnyhill said: “Inspired through Sport appealed to me as it highlights both the huge advantages of Sport and fitness and the resilience and determination required to achieve Sporting greatness.

“Inspired by Rion Pierre and his story, children followed our core values strive for excellence and try your best during their fitness circuits.

The money raised in fundraising was well over £1000, 60 per cent of which will go to supporting athletes on their Olympic journey and 40 per cent will come back to Sunnyhill so I can buy equipment to create the next set of Olympic stars.”

John Parr, headteacher at Sunnyhil added: “We want the children to have the highest quality experiences we can provide at Sunnyhill.

“Sport is an integral part of what we offer, we want everyone to have the chance to participate in as many types of sport as we can offer.

“We spot talent and help those with a particular sporting aptitude to excel.”