Sheen Mount show sporting spirit (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Sheen Mount Primary school delight the crowds with 'Olympian Sporting Extravaganza'

11:51am Friday 10th February 2012 in Richmond News By Christine Fleming

Bringing children face to face with former Olympians and talented sporting stars was just one of the highlights of a celebration of sport and inspiration at Sheen Mount Primary School.

The Olympian Sporting Extravaganza, held at the school in West Temple Sheen, saw more than 1,000 people brave the cold to support the school in its bid to raise enough money for a new playground.

Alistair Parkes, co-organiser of the event along with Vivienne Alexander, said the day had exceeded everyone’s expectations.

He said: “It was just such an exciting project and the feedback was incredible, from the staff themselves, from local supporters, businesses that were just so generous and, of course, the children.

“It is not about a one off day but about the start of a journey.”

Visitors attending the Sheen Mount event appeared delighted with the range of activities on offer to entertain the children including sports sessions, run in partnership with the school’s sporting partners Fit for Sport and Motiv8, a mini ice rink and sporting simulators.

There was also an auction of prizes ranging from a private tennis lesson for three people with Tim Henman at Wimbledon to a premium racing bike signed by members of the Olympic cycling team.

Sporting stars including James Cracknell, former Olympic gymnast George Weedon and ex-Olympic sprinter Buster Watson were equally impressed when they joined the school to help raise money for their new playground and support them in their hopes of creating an Olympic legacy for Richmond youngsters.

Headteacher Ian Hutchings described the day as a great success.

He said: “It was a huge success which went beyond our wildest dreams in terms of footfall, Olympians visiting, and everything else.

“I was incredibly proud of the whole community working together."