‘Personal Bests’ netted at Olympic challenge

Through the hoop - pic: Hackney Council

Primary school students participated in a basketball Personal Bests event at Hackney Community College to celebrate 200 days till the Olympic Games.

Within 26 minutes St John the Baptist school pupils, aged seven to nine, scored 200 baskets at the annual contest on Monday in the college’s sport and leisure centre.

The training session was organised by Hackney Council’s 2012 team with volunteers such as Jeff Danchie, ex-Hackney Community College student and professional basketball player who once played for Plymouth Raiders.

The college’s leisure centre, SPACe, will welcome 70,000 London 2012 Games maker volunteers in February. Numerous athletes including professional basketball players will use the venue to train for the Olympics and Paralympics.

Councillor Guy Nicholson said: “This is a fantastic start to the 200 day countdown in Hackney and I congratulate the youngsters from St John the Baptist school for succeeding in scoring 200 baskets each in such a short time.”

The programme helps children achieve personal goals in a variety of sports: including long jumps, javelin, speed bounce.

5,000 schoolchildren have taken part so far with another 3,000 individuals waiting to participate this year.

 

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