AN OLYMPIC silver medallist has brought paddle power back to his home county in a bid to kickstart the next generation of sporting success stories for primary school children from disadvantaged areas of Stoke-on-Trent.
Potteries-born canoeist Adam Burgess invited six children from Fenton’s Co-op Academy Glebe to try out the sport at Stafford and Stone Canoe Club as part of the JCB Hubb Holidays scheme.
Adam, 34, won silver at the Paris 2024 Games and also team Gold and individual Silver medals at this summer’s World Canoe Championships in Oklahoma. He took up the sport by chance at the age of 10 and last week coached the youngsters through a taster session, designed to inspire and open up new opportunities.
Each half-term break charity The Hubb Foundation is funded by digger giant JCB to work with 35 local schools to deliver a host of aspirational activities for 1,000 disadvantaged Stoke-on-Trent children.
Paris Olympics’ silver medallist Adam, who is sponsored by JCB, said: “I got into canoeing by chance when someone at school dropped out of a taster session just like this and I put my hand up to go instead. So, it’s fantastic to be able to inspire the next generation by sharing my experience and showing anything is possible with determination and self-belief.
“I am a passionate believer in the power of sport to teach great lessons in life too – whether that’s resilience, teamwork or just working hard to achieve your full potential.
“JCB has backed me for many years now and it’s brilliant for me to be part of the Hubb Holidays scheme. It is helping thousands of children from my home county explore activities they may otherwise never get to try and I’m proud to be doing my bit to encourage local youngsters to think and dream big.”
The Hubb Foundation Chief Operating Officer Adam Yates added: “All children need great role models and as a local lad Adam is perfectly placed to inspire these young people. The JCB Hubb Holidays scheme aims to break down the barriers of disadvantage by giving children opportunities to grow and thrive, and this is a perfect example of how our partnership brings this ambition to life.”
Other Hubb Holidays activities through the week saw children from Chell Heath and Bradeley experiencing live professional performances by Newcastle’s New Vic theatre and JCB apprentices leading innovative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) sessions at St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy, Tunstall.
Featured post image: Olympic canoeist Adam Burgess with pupils from Co-op Academy Glebe (left to right) Harvey (10), Teddie ( 9), Vladimir ( 9), Maria ( 10), Naomi (11) and George (10) at Stone and Stafford Canoe Club.
