Member Article

Champ packs a punch with school sports campaign

Former cruiserweight champion of the world Glenn McCrory is drawing on his own experience to inspire North East youngsters to take up sport.

Glenn has been appointed as sports ambassador by The Education Network, the region’s largest specialist education recruitment and training business.

In his new role, the champion boxer and Sky television commentator will work alongside The Education Network to promote sport and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle in schools across the region.

“Sport is an incredibly powerful force for good, especially if youngsters can be attracted to participate from an early age,” explained Glenn. “Our role is not to discover talented young athletes but to inspire children of all ages, from all backgrounds to take up sport irrespective of their ability.

“I’m a great believer in the concept of ‘healthy body, healthy mind’ but I’ve also seen how sport can improve confidence and raise aspirations. It can lift and unite entire communities as I saw in my own backyard when local support carried me to my world title in 1989.

“Years before I won the title Muhammed Ali looked me in the eye and told me I’d be champion of the world one day. Imagine the impact that had on a kid who was raised at a time and in a place that saw the closure of coal mines, steel works and ship yards. Sport changed my life and I want it to have the same positive impact on youngsters across the North East.”

In his new role Glenn will work with The Education Network on various campaigns to promote participation in team and individual school sports and other fitness activities.

The Education Network has previously arranged conferences that brought PE teachers together to share best practice and discuss new ways to maximise participation in sport and raise awareness of healthy living among children and families.

In 2015, The Education Network joined forces with the North East Partnership SCITT (School-centred Initial Teacher Training) to support the development and employment of the next generation of outstanding PE teachers. The partnership continues to provide support to 37 trainee PE teachers, helping them into full time employment in local schools once qualified.

Kevin Gill, managing director of The Education Network, said: “I’m delighted to have Glenn in our corner as we continue to promote participation in school sports. Glenn’s story is a truly inspirational one and he speaks with great passion and enthusiasm about sport and the role it can play in a youngster’s personal development.

“The North East is a hotbed for sport and I am thrilled that one of our region’s genuine heroes has chosen to put something back into the community as The Education Network’s sporting ambassador.”

Glenn McCrory was born in County Durham and now lives on Tyneside. After winning the British and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles, Glenn challenged and defeated Patrick Lumumba to become champion of the world. Since retiring from the ring, Glenn has worked as a boxing commentator and he is a deputy Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland.

The Education Network operates 15 offices across the UK including five in the North East of England.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Round Table Solutions Ltd .