Young people are playing a leading role in Wolverhampton's fight against obesity. More than 100 pupils from 30 primary schools across the city have been trained up to lead fitness classes within their schools – and are helping classmates develop their health and wellbeing. Partnerships and School Sport Wolverhampton (PASS), which provides sporting opportunities in local schools, has given leadership training to around 150 Year 5 pupils over the last 12 months.
The pupils, now known as bronze ambassadors, act as role models and mentors within their schools and also run weekly health and well-being clubs for Key Stage 1 pupils based on Change4Life's 10 Minute Shake Up campaign, which encourages young people to complete six or more 10 minute bursts of physical activity every day.
Councillor Sandra Samuels, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "The importance of young people taking part in sport and physical exercise cannot be under estimated, and I'm delighted that so many of our pupils have been trained up to deliver activity sessions for their peers.
"The maturity that the bronze ambassadors show is incredible, and the lengths they go to help their fellow pupils lead healthier lives is truly inspirational.
"Obesity is a ticking timebomb in our city, especially with so many young people overweight, but with initiatives like this I am confident it is a battle we can win.”
Rebecca Gingell, PASS manager, added: "The training we provide gives young people the skills and qualities they need to inspire other children to take part in physical exercise, and to organise and coordinate events and activities that they want to get involved in.
"It also gives them important skills which we hope will increase their employability when they leave full time education."
As well as ambassador training, more than 40 members of school staff, including PE coordinators and health champions, have also received training from the PASS team to help them better assess the impact of sport in their school.
