BMX and skateboarding legend visits pupils

A world-class BMX and skateboarder visited pupils at a Huyton school recently to inspire them and teach them life skills.
Former British and European skateboarding champion Neil Danns, from Toxteth, held special assemblies at Huyton Arts and Sports Centre for Learning, as well as skateboarding master classes with pupils at the OurPlace youth facility in Huyton.
The visit was part of Sky Sports’ Living for Sport project which uses sport stars and sport skills to inspire and improve the lives of thousands of young people. A group of pupils from Longview Community Primary School were also invited to the sessions.
Neil coached the students in key life skills such as confidence, people skills and mental toughness. He also highlighted the importance of aspiration and setting personal goals.
Neil said: “Skateboarding helped me to focus on the positive aspects of my life and gave me the motivation to be the best I could be. Through the Living for Sport project, I hope to inspire others to do the same.
“Negative influences are all around us and it is easy to let these take your life in a direction you don’t want to go. Through sport, young people can meet new friends, learn respect for themselves and others and rise above the challenges that life can present”.
Principal of Huyton Arts and Sports Centre for Learning, Stuart Jamieson, said: “It has been a great opportunity for our students to meet such an inspirational sporting figure and we hope they will use this to fuel their confidence and aspiration and achieve their full potential”.
Living for Sport is a free UK secondary schools initiative, delivered in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust, which uses sport stars and sport skills to boost confidence, change behaviour, increase attainment and improve life skills.