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The Be Active Team at the Health Improvement Commission has been working with St Mary and St Michael primary school to celebrate activity and the power of sport by exploring the life of Eric Liddell.
Lessons have focussed on some of the values espoused by Liddel: passion, compassion and integrity.
Liddell featured in the 1981 film Chariots of Fire, including his decision not to compete in his favoured 100m at the Paris Olympics because the heats were to be held on a Sunday.
He went on to become champion in the 400m instead, winning the final exactly 100 years ago today [11 July].
Liddell left fame and fortune to be a teacher in China and dedicated his life to helping others.
St Mary and St Michael Catholic Primary School has held an 'Eric Liddell' morning to celebrate and discuss his life.
Classes held workshops talking about his athletic achievements, his story and values.
Then all pupils attended a special assembly where ex-pupils Gian-Luca Robilliard and Grace King talked about their experience as young athletes since leaving.
Robilliard competed in the Guernsey Island Games while 13-year-old Grace recently won the Hampshire cross country championships.
“I think the story of Eric Liddell is an incredible one, and one that I think goes under the radar too much in sporting history,” said Robilliard.
“As an athlete, of course it is inspiring and undoubtedly one of the best achievements in Olympic history. It is so amazing to see these youngsters take interest in learning about the story of Eric Liddell, and hopefully they learn valuable things about what characteristics make a good hero. We do incredibly well with our sport in Guernsey, and seeing how many people, including the youngsters are interested and engaging in physical activity, it’s really exciting to see.”
Pupils went to Delancey Park to run 400m.
Pictured: The Eric Liddell day included physical activity for the pupils as well as their lessons.
Grace and her sister, Ruby, a current year 6 pupil, ran a relay over the distance, before every child from reception class to Year 6 had a go running on the course.
St Mary and St Michael teacher Danielle Corson said: “Experiences like this motivate and inspire the children to get involved in the sporting community.
“Seeing children from their own school thriving as athletes, gives them the confidence to have a go themselves. We have had lots of children ask about how they can take part in athletics following on from completing the 400m at school which is why these events are so important.”
Alun Williams, The Be Active Lead at the Health Improvement Commission, said: “Eric Liddell’s story is timeless and inspired St Mary and St Michael pupils as much as it has other generations. His love of being active shines through in his life story as do his strong moral principles. We had a fun morning while educating and inspiring the children.”
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