Lambeth Academy teams up with Olympians to raise aspirations
20 September 2010
Last week, Lambeth Academy launched Be the Best you can Be, an innovative programme that seeks to raise young people's aspirations and help them realise their potential. The programme was developed by 21st Century Legacy, a new charity founded and led by Olympian David Hemery CBE, to inspire and empower young people to be the best they can be. Lambeth Academy is the second United Learning Trust (ULT) academy to participate in the programme.
Olympian Anna Hemmings MBE visited the academy on 13 September to celebrate the launch. The two-time Olympian and six-time World Champion canoeist met incoming Year 7 students. She delivered a dynamic and inspirational presentation about her life and her childhood dreams of achieving sporting success.
Be the Best you can Be is an intensive programme which will be run at the academy over the next several weeks.
With many years of experience in sport and education, David Hemery has brought together a small team to develop this programme. Founded on Olympian principles of respect, friendship and excellence and supported by talks from Olympians and Paralympians, Be the Best you can Be will embed these values and help young people share their personal dreams and aspirations and understand their unique contribution to their community. Students will have an opportunity to develop new skills such as peer coaching, setting goals, teamwork and self-managed leadership.
David Hemery said: “It is my ambition and belief that Be the Best you can Be will help young people question and listen to each other, providing increased awareness and self responsibility across their physical, spiritual, mental and social development that will last throughout their lives. This programme complements their education and inspires them to make a positive difference in their lives and in their communities.”
Stephen Potter, Principal of Lambeth Academy, said: “I was determined that Lambeth Academy would be among the first in line as Be the Best you can Be begins to roll out. The inspiration offered by our Olympians and Paralympians who strive to achieve their goal is incredibly powerful and can really reach out and touch young people today. I was pleased to welcome Anna Hemmings to Lambeth Academy and my teachers and I look forward to contributing to this exciting and transformational programme.”
