Top athletes inspire pupils at Telford school
Two top athletes shared their success stories when they paid a visit to a school in Telford.
Hammer thrower Mark Dry, who won a bronze medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, and international hurdler Edi Okoro visited Apley Wood Primary School to give a talk and take part in coaching sessions with pupils.
The visit was organised through the Athletes in Schools programme, which brings Olympic, Paralympic and professional athletes into schools with the purpose of motivating young people and inspiring the future generation of champions.
The athletes began the day by speaking to all pupils at the school in an assembly.
They then took part in activities and games with pupils in years three to six.
Year five teacher Daniel Taylor, who helped to organise the visit, said: "The athletes came in during the morning and spoke to the children during assembly.
"After that, they took classes and did some coaching with them.
"They spoke about their experiences in their events and they had a medal to show the children.
"Mark spoke about the fact that as long as you work as hard as possible you can achieve your dreams.
"They did some running activities and team games. They played a game that works on reactions."
Mr Taylor said the visit had been a hit with pupils.
He said: "It was an inspiring morning. The children were in awe of the athletes.
"They loved it. They also managed to ask some questions during the sessions. I thought it was brilliant."
Mark Dry has been one of the top three British hammer throwers since 2009 and in the British Championships has won a bronze medal in 2012 and silver in 2013.
In the Scottish Championships he won gold in Kilmarnock in August 2014.
In May 2015, he threw a distance of 76.93m which secured him the fifth spot in the all-time UK rankings.
