Champion sports star creates a spark

Jamie Baulch and Matt Elias with children from Bowlee Park Primary School

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Youngsters from Middleton have enjoyed a visit from former world champion and gold medalist Olympian Jamie Baulch, as part of his campaign to get children active on the run up to London 2012. 

Mr Baulch visited Bowlee Park Sports Centre, where school children from Bowlee Park Primary School took part in physical activity sessions using the centres’ SHOKK youth gyms, as part of his ‘Jamie Baulch Academy “Create That Spark” initiative. 

Mr Baulch was joined with one of his fellow athletes who works with him on the “Create That Spark” project – Matt Elias.

Mr Elias is a Welsh athlete who specialises in the 400 metres sprint and represents Great Britain and won two Silver medals in the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester

The Jamie Baulch Academy was established to raise children’s aspirations and encourage them to have the spirit of achievement with the help of other professional and medal winning athletes.

With the build-up to London 2012, Mr Baulch is keen to encourage more young people to take part in regular exercise, sport and improve healthy living.

His “Create That Spark” initiative aims to promote this as well as allow children to fundraise for their schools to enhance the educational and sporting opportunities they may not have the chance to experience.

Mr Baulch, said: “Our mission is to give each child the chance to feel part of something, to bring out that ‘spark’ that enthusiasm and motivation that may not have been tapped into.

“With my team of fellow athletes, we want to inspire young people to champion their dreams, that they can become reality.”