Steve Lewis encouraging kids to be healthy

[rainbowgirl28]

http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/ne ... ticle.html

Youngsters put in pole position to be healthy
Wednesday, October 28, 2009, 09:20

COMMONWEALTH Games medallist Steve Lewis returned to his home city to inspire others to get active.

Hard work and dedication was the 23-year-old pole-vaulter's message to young people from Stoke-on-Trent who attended a mini coaching session with him.

Steve, originally from Light Oaks, but who now lives in Loughborough, was at Northwood Stadium yesterday.

He gave youngsters an insight into what life is like as a professional athlete, putting them through their paces with warm-ups and a game of football.

Steve said: "It's 10 years since I started athletics in Northwood Stadium and I love coming back, because this is where it all began for me.


"I was always very motivated and I wanted to be the best I could be.

"I had a dream of becoming an Olympian some day, so I tried hurdles, long jump, long-distance running and pole vault.

"There was a great coaching programme at the City of Stoke Athletic Club and we travelled all over the country competing at the weekends.

"It's important young people get to understand athletics involves plenty of hard work and dedication, but is also rewarding.

"I'm happy to be able to pass on my knowledge and I hope it gives more youngsters the confidence to go into professional sport."

Steve is a full-time athlete and his personal best vault is 5.75 metres, achieved in Manchester in January.

He won a bronze medal in the Commonwealth Games in Australia in 2006.

He is currently preparing for the World Indoor Athletics Championships next year, followed by the European Outdoor championships and the Commonwealth Games, before aiming for the London Olympics in 2012.

He said: "I don't want to create a city full of pole vaulters, but I want to inspire young people and show them they can fulfil their dreams."

The training day with Steve was part of a Stoke-on-Trent City Council-organised week of half-term activities for young people to mark the first anniversary of the Energise Plus programme, a council scheme of discounted access to sporting facilities.

Other highlights of the week include boxercise and spin classes at the Wallace Centre in Abbey Hulton today, lifeguard training for youngsters at Shelton Pool tomorrow and a Halloween Pool Party at Dimensions Leisure Centre on Friday.

Councillor Derek Capey, cabinet member for sport and leisure, said: "The programme has been a huge success and it's great so many people are benefiting from free and reduced-cost activities.

"Stoke-on-Tent is not the healthiest place in the world and we need to encourage people to be active."

Michelle Adams, council sport and leisure services manager, said: "The aim of the programme is to increase activity across the city.

"In one year we have 12,000 people signed up, generating more than 66,000 visits to sport facilities."