Paralympian & Coach visit Wicklewood Primary - News - South Norfolk SSP

Paralympian & Coach visit Wicklewood Primary

Pupils at Wicklewood Primary School welcomed special visitors to their Thursday morning assembly- Paralympic Gold medalist Jessica-Jane Applegate and Head Coach of City of Norwich Swimming Club Alex Pinniger.

Jessica-Jane Applegate MBE impressed the para-swimming world with her gold medal performance at the London 2012 Paralympic Games and has since continued to be on the podium at all levels of international competition, including more medals at her second and third Paralympics in Rio/ Tokyo and this year has been selected to represent England at her first Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Alex Pinniger became City of Norwich Swimming Clubs head coach in January 2011 and coaches Jessica-Jane Applegate. Alex was awarded the British Swimming Para Coach of the year in 2017.

Jessica-Jane and Alex spent the first part of the morning delivering a motivational assembly about overcoming obstacles, what it felt like to win Paralympic Gold, Training schedules and how pupils can aspire to follow in her footsteps. They then visited all the classes for Q&A sessions.  A few of the children came away with an inspiring insight in what it takes to become a professional athlete. Pupils also had an opportunity to see Jessica-Janes Paralympic Gold medal up close.

School Games Organiser Laura Goodswen, who had arranged the visit, said that pupils were starstruck in the presences of the athlete. Both Alex and Jessica-Jane were an inspiration to the children. They could not believe that they had the opportunity to meet a Paralympian.

The athlete visited the school after winning South Norfolk School Sport Partnerships Commonwealth Games Noticeboard competition. The aim of this competition was to support the profile and inspire a Commonwealth Games legacy for ALL. Teacher from the school stated that

“The pupils loved putting together the noticeboard and learning about the Commonwealth Games Countries and have been inspired by the visit”.

We wish Jessica-Jane all the best at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham this summer.

If you want to find out how your school can get involved in the School Games Programme contact Laura Goodswen, School Games Organiser [email protected]

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