Team LP Run for Heroes

On Thursday 21st May the whole school community ‘together’ completed a 5K walk or run. The event not only celebrated the School’s commitment to inclusive sport, but its ethos of giving and charitable fundraising.

In support of the national Run for Heroes campaign, Team LP raised £500 towards NHS charities Together as part of their Covid 19 Urgent Appeal.

Encouraged by Deputy Head, Eddie Falshaw, to “wear them with pride!”, headbands and House colours were donned, and Fryers showcased their most colourful kits, as staff, students and their families set off from their homes at 2.20pm; some brought their pets along for the cause, others went the distance using exercise equipment and one Fryer even unicycled their way to 5K!

Jez Belas, Director of PE, Sport and Wellness, was delighted to see “a fantastic and genuine whole school response” to the event, as evidenced by the numerous messages and photos sent in by everyone taking part.

However, those students who were not ready to hang up their trainers, are now looking forward to competing virtually against Forest School in London on Monday 15th June and against Shiplake College on Wednesday 17th June.

Whilst fixtures across the country are suspended, a Mixed U18 squad has been assembled by Leighton Park to bridge the gap in the current lack of competitive sport taking place. The virtual fixtures will challenge students to track and record a 3K run on these dates and share this evidence. The results of the respective school teams will be tallied up using the average time of each age group and number of participants. There will also be individual awards for the fastest runners.

Mastermind behind the concept, Director of PE, Sport and Wellness, Jez Belas, commented “It’s weird but simple! Students miss being part of a team and these events will help re-establish camaraderie between our students and gives the opportunity to work towards a common goal with their friends again.”

Jez is also planning a CrossFit fixture against the same schools where Leighton Park’s Advanced Performance Programme (APP) athletes will take part in a live, competitive workout against other students. Students will have to work as a team to problem solve and push themselves to complete more repetitions, or finish before the other team in an allotted time. LP will play Forest School on Wednesday 10th June.