Aspiring Minds - Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust

As an Athlete Mentor on the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust, I had a fun day on Wednesday in Big Wood School, Nottingham on the 'Aspiring Minds' project. Skills and positive attitude are taught via interactive activities delivered by a skilled team of trained communicators and a team of elite athletes.

Big Wood School’s Year 9 pupils certainly grasped the opportunity to learn. The Aspiring Minds day is made up of various workshops involving equipment such as batak boards, rowing machines and even equipment that measures how fast you can kick a ball. We ended the sports psychology lesson learning to juggle - in less than 4 minutes for the 13 year old volunteer in my group, very impressive!

As an athlete, I am well aware that attitude is central to success. Even though some pupils were shy at first, everyone finished the day with a positive ‘have a go’ attitude and a big smile. I set out to inspire and came away feeling motivated myself - it is amazing how inspirational young people can be.

Serre Chevalier Support

Two weeks training in Serre Chevalier drew a relatively successful 2010/11 Race Season to a close - bronze and silver medals this year (and 4th in the World Championships) and my desire to achieve is stronger than ever. The warm welcome I received from Serre Che’s community was an intense reminder why I continue to strive to be the best and fight the ongoing battle for Winter Sports funding.

Thanks to backing from Hotel Plein Sud, I was able to work on technique, increase mileage and refuel the passion that drives me to pursue this expensive sport. I feel revitalized by the support and kindness I received and am very much looking forward to intensive race training in Serre Che next winter.

Belief is central to success and Serre Che has fuelled my determination to succeed.

I know I’m not writing a book (yet) but particular thanks to Lynne at Hotel Plein Sud for your faith and support; Paul from the Alpen Bar for excellent skiing; Pikey for fabulous photography; Darren from Insight for great tips - note to self, caution in slushy mogul fields is advised; Emma and Jackson at Alpine Transfer Company; Davina from Ski Connections… It was wonderful to see many friendly faces from my snowboarding days and develop relationships. I even met a Two Seasons employee at the highest point on the mountain, who noticed the Two Seasons sponsor logo on my monoski!

May Lynne proudly display my Europa Cup Final Bronze medal in Hotel Plein Sud (see below).


Now I'm back to work in the UK, speaking at NAIDEX exhibition 'Celebrating Independent Living' at the NEC and as Keynote Speaker at the International Women's Day Charity Launch in Nottingham this week.