Local MP Mary Macleod has praised an innovative scheme that encourages young people to get involved in sport. The Hounslow HOTS (Hold On To Sport) project gives 5-19 year olds an opportunity to develop a passion for some of the lesser known roles in professional sport including dieticians and press.
Mary commented, “This is a fantastic project and I am delighted to be asked to be one of the judges to look at their work. As we gear up for the Olympic and Paralympic Games it is important that we reflect on the range of ways that young people can get involved in sport. Not everyone wants to a footballer or an athlete and it is important that as we look to ensure a sporting legacy and that young people are encouraged to get involved with projects like this.”
Last month Mary met with students at Isleworth and Syon School as they worked on a Hounslow HOTS project to explore healthy eating. Mary commented, “It was great to see firsthand how this project is getting young people thinking about sport and healthy living. All the students I met had so much enthusiasm and I am looking forward to seeing this come through in their group projects.”
Seventeen schools in the London Borough of Hounslow are involved in the scheme this year with their work being judged throughout May. Students will also take part in a number of other activities in the run up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games including a digital artwork project in collaboration with innovative local business Octink.