Westholme School celebrated their wonderful sporting achievements of the past 12 months at their Sports Awards 2022.
Held at Ewood Park, home of Blackburn Rovers FC, the evening was a chance for parents, players and staff to reflect on what has been a busy year following the previous lockdowns of the pandemic.
The evening was opened by magnificent dance, song and artistic gymnastic performances from current Westholme students.
Guests enjoyed a welcome from the Director of Sport, followed by an inspiring speech from guest speaker, Olympian Marilyn Okoro, who competed in the 800m and won 4x400m bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Marilyn Okoro, spoke about her journey in life and some of the challenges she faced throughout her career.
She told the students: “I loved netball, I loved tennis, but running was where I found myself. It was also the most affordable and accessible for me because you can do it absolutely anywhere.”
“Sport helped me in my holistic development. I had to prove myself and I had to work hard and dream audaciously big.”
“I always talk about life beyond the track and if you have more than one passion that’s OK. Life is about lots of different perspectives and the world needs to see you in all your glory.”
Marilyn presented awards for a number of sports including over 40 Sporting Excellence awards given to students that play sports at a regional and/or national level.
Lee Purdy, Director Sport, said: “The Sports Awards 2022 was a fantastic event celebrating a year in sport at Westholme School.”
“Sport plays such an important role at Westholme. Without a full team we are nothing - and the PE Department are very proud of every student who represents the school in any sport.”
Dr Richard Robson, School Principal, added: “Sport is not always about winning, it’s about giving all our pupils as broad a sporting education, opening up opportunity to play competitively to all pupils, so they acquire the essential 21stcentury skills. Most of all it is about learning the values of sport - teamwork, unity, hard work, perseverance, and determination. These are all Westholme character traits.”