Schools in Islington learn ’Action Sports’
Monday 24 July 2006
14-16 year olds in Islington schools have the opportunity to learn the balance and basics of skateboarding, which they can use to get to grips with snowboarding and surfing
Skateboarding, surfing and snowboarding are no longer ‘too cool for school’ with the launch of a world first P.E. based Action Sports programme aimed at 14-16 year olds in the London Borough of Islington.
The programme will coach over 600 students each year on the basics of balance before moving on to riding skateboards and providing an insight into how acquired skills can be transferred to other board-sports like surfing and snowboarding. The aim is to encourage more kids to take part in P.E. and increase their general physical activity levels.
‘Action Sports In Schools’ runs a participative 10 week programme. By providing access to sports without the rules and structure of team based and more traditional sports, kids who usually would not participate in P.E lessons will hopefully be encouraged to take part.
Today’s media launch and ‘taster’ session at moderate learning difficulty school Samuel Rhodes, demonstrated the depth of possibility with such an initiative. Students were given a basic introduction to the scope of Action Sports and how they differed from sports they normally did in P.E. Then it was out on the boards, starting with a balance session on ‘Indo’ boards before moving on to skateboarding with the aid of head coach Kevin Parrott and some of the UK’s best pros including Vans pro skater Sam Bruce. Islington Councillor for Sport, George Allan who launched the programme today said:
‘We are always looking for ways to encourage youth participation in sport. The growth and popularity of action sports amongst young people means we have to adapt and provide access to sports like skateboarding and BMX alongside the traditional sports such as football and cricket. From the excitement on the kids’ faces today, I think we’re on to a winner here.’
Developed by Action Sports marketing agency KAOS Brands In Action in association with Islington CEA, the programme has been funded by the DfES. KAOS Managing Director Paul Knipe said ‘A programme like this has never been done before so we are aiming to develop a curriculum blueprint that can be passed on to other schools and Boroughs ensuring more British kids have the opportunity to see if they like or are good at some of the action sports being provided.’
The Action Sports in Schools programme will commence fulltime from the new school term in September. You can keep up to date with the progress of the kids taking part by visiting www.actionsportsinschools.wordpress.com
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