Youngsters on sporting mission to South Africa

YOUNG sporting stars from Rotherham have travelled to South Africa to deliver Olympic-themed classes to children.

Brad Yardy, from Wath Comprehensive School, Sam Carter, from Redscope Primary, Ryan Town ,from Abbey School and Joel Murray from St Bernard’s Comprehensive School have flown out to Rodenbosch where they will engage children in sporting events.

The project is being run by Active Regen, a Dinnington-based charity which uses sport and physical activities to encourage people to improve their health and well being.

The four boys were selected for the trip after shining during a sports scheme run in Rotherham.

A spokeswoman for the scheme said: “Over the past year Active Regen has been running a Going for Gold programme with around 1,500 primary school children in the town.

“The aim of the competition was to engage children in Olympic style sporting activities in order to develop team skills, confidence and to promote a healthy lifestyle.

“The youngsters were also given the opportunity to train for a young leaders award, an accredited award from Sports Leaders UK which aims to develop leadership skills in a sporting context.

“The four boys were voted best overall by their fellow pupils and will join Active Regen in Rodenbosch, putting into practise the skills they have learned over the past year.”

Wath-based social housing contractor Bramall Construction has supported the scheme by donating sports clothing for the children to wear on their travels.