In 2024 we had an opportunity to use the Olympics and Paralympics to help young people be inspired and get active in Sunderland.
To celebrate the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, children aged 5-11 and their families were encouraged to get active and embark on a virtual journey with Path to Paris.
We engaged 612 primary-aged children. With 11 schools signed up, we identified years three and four as target year groups because they are the least active years according to Active Lives survey data.
Two classes in each school collectively travelled the 555 miles form Sunderland to Paris. With bespoke resources allowing the schools to track their miles, the children could learn about local landmarks en route.
Every school met the 555 miles target, with some far exceeding it and continuing to record their journey around the world.
The schools we worked with:
- Valley Road Academy
- Farringdon Primary School
- Sunningdale School
- Shiney Row Primary School
- Dubmire Primary Academy
- Gillas Lane Primary Academy
- Valley Road Academy
- Farringdon Primary School
- Sunningdale School
- Shiney Row Primary School
- Dubmire Primary Academy
- Gillas Lane Primary Academy
The programme was supported with assemblies from Active Sunderland (including a guest appearance from Matt Wylie the paralympic swimmer who trained in Sunderland), delivery sessions from Keep Active and a visit, session and a Q&A with Lioness Demi Stokes.
Each school then had a celebration day with parents and carers, hosted by Keep Active.
Sunningdale School has asked Keep Active to return in the new academic year to continue to offer active opportunities for the children.
We have thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the Path to Paris. All the children have loved taking part in all the activities both in school and at home.
Michelle Simpson, teacher at Sunningdale
I’m so excited that Demi has come in!
Johnny, 8
I think it’s so important to promote healthy lifestyles and you can see how happy the kids are just running around on the field with a football.
Being physically active also links to mental wellbeing which is really important. Being able to inspire children and young people is one of the best parts of the job.
Demi Stokes, footballer, Olympian and Lioness