Commonwealth gymnast and Newton Mearns teacher celebrates school’s sport success

Primary One teacher and Commonwealth gymnast Miss Regan inspired pupils as she performed a series of somersaults at the school assembly, as Crookfur Primary were awarded their Gold School Sports status from sportscotland.

Five time Scottish champion gymnast Amy Regan congratulated the school and children for their commitment to sport, telling the pupils: “Sport can take you on so many amazing journeys.

“I used to train for 30 hours every week and competed in the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in 2010 and in Glasgow in 2014. I’ve trained all over the world, including Russia, Canada and America.

“Sport can help you make lots of new friends, keep you fit and teach you lots of new skills.”

Crookfur Primary in Newton Mearns was one of four East Renfrewshire schools to achieve the prestigious Gold award in recognition of their commitment to sport this year.

Primary schools Calderwood Lodge and Hillview Primary and secondary school Barrhead High also achieved the Gold School Sports Awards this year from sportscotland and hosted dedicated awards ceremonies.

A total of twenty East Renfrewshire schools have achieved gold status over the last five years, with support from sportscotland and the Active Schools’ team at East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure, who have dedicated co-ordinators for each school in the region.

Anthony McReavy from East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure said: “We are thrilled that four East Renfrewshire schools received a gold rating this year for their commitment to encouraging sports activities.

“Well done to all the pupils, teachers and staff involved and thank you for your efforts. Taking part in sporting activities can help improve mental and physical health, as well as boost confidence and motivation and it has such a positive impact on pupils and the school.”

Funded by the National Lottery, the School Sport Award is a national initiative designed to encourage schools to continuously improve extra-curricular sport. It also encourages links between schools and local communities, providing opportunities for young people to progress and further develop their sporting experiences.

Chief executive of sportscotland, Stewart Harris, said: “It’s testament to the work of a variety of partners, including thousands of pupils, parents, volunteers and teachers, that we can now say this is a record-breaking year for the School Sport Award. Each and every single person involved should be very proud of this fantastic achievement.

“There is an undoubted value in sport being at the heart of school life. With that in mind we are committed to helping build a Scotland where sport is a way of life and young people are central to this.

“That is why we are working with local authorities and governing bodies of sport to strengthen links between physical education, school sport and club sport.”