Campion School is the first school in Warwickshire to sign students up to compete in an Olympic themed charity challenge. The Gold Challenge is designed to stir up some Olympic spirit by encouraging pupils to form teams to try out Olympic sports, and raise money for locally based Heart Rhythm Charity.
To kick start the challenge at the school, London 2012 Ambassador David Moorcroft came into Campion for a special visit to meet the young Olympians and offer them some inspiration.
Students had the opportunity to share with David their own sporting successes and dreams for the future. David inspired the students as he talked about his own Olympic experiences, holding a world record and winning Commonwealth Gold Medal.
The Gold Challenge is organised in partnership with the British Olympic Association, Paralympics GB and Sport England. Through the programme, participants are sponsored to undertake a minimum of three hours’ training in at least five Olympic or Paralympic sports, or to complete an endurance event. The challenge needs to be completed by December 31 2012.
Warwickshire County Council is supporting the challenge, and is backing the Heart Rhythm Charity to get young people in schools, sports teams and youth groups to 
try out some new activities and better understand the benefits of healthy active lifestyles.
At Campion School, pupils have been invited to apply to join the programme and will work with the Ali Knight, Partnership Development Manager based here at the Campion on how they will meet the challenge.
Headteacher Mark Feldman said: “It’s still early days but we’re proud to be supporting this exciting scheme which will be a great experience for the pupils who choose to take part. They will be instrumental in deciding how the programme will be delivered at the school which is an added benefit on top of the chance to try out some new activities, raising money for charity and improve their health and fitness.”
Deputy Leader of Warwickshire County Council and portfolio holder for health, Cllr Bob Stevens, added: “We are proud to support this scheme which will inspire Olympics spirit, improve health and fitness, and get Warwickshire young people involved throughout the build up to London 2012 and beyond.”
Cllr Heather Timms, Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People and Families added: “The Heart Rhythm Charity – Arrhythmia Alliance is offering free registration for the first 100 teams who register and will be able to offer fundraising tips and educational support throughout the challenge. We hope schools and youth groups will sign up and support this great cause.”
Trudie Lobban MBE, founder of Arrhythmia Alliance, said, “The Heart Rhythm Charity Arrhythmia Alliance is a home grown Warwickshire based charity and we are very proud to be delivering the Schools Olympic initiative for Warwickshire County Council.
“The Olympic Games is the world’s foremost sports competition and to be able to involve the children across the county in a healthy sports activity is amazing.”
