What a day at Alexander Stadium! More than 80 Birmingham schoolchildren got the chance to run, jump, throw and be inspired by some of the biggest names in British athletics as the Lloyd Cowan Bursary hosted its fourth Athletics for All event.
Delivered in partnership with London Marathon Events, the day was all about opening doors, giving children a fun, exciting first taste of athletics and showing them what is possible.
That spirit sits right at the heart of Lloyd Cowan MBE’s legacy. Lloyd was a much-loved coach, mentor and former international hurdler who helped athletes reach the very top of the sport, but he also cared deeply about creating opportunities for young people.
And this was a day full of opportunity.
The children were coached by an incredible line-up, including Christine Ohuruogu, 2008 Olympic champion, two-time World champion and one of Britain’s greatest-ever 400m runners, and Montell Douglas – a rare Summer and Winter Olympian, former British 100m record holder and now known to millions as Fire from Gladiators.
With the European Athletics Championships just two months away, excitement levels were through the roof.
Across the day, pupils tried sprints, hurdles, jumps, throws and warm-up activities, learning from Olympians, internationals, elite coaches and event specialists.
Special thanks to everyone who gave their time, energy and expertise alongside Christine and Montell to make the day so memorable: Dwayne Cowan, Ashia Hansen MBE, Aston Moore, Jazmin Sawyers OLY, Sharon Morris, Lorna Dwyer, Aykeem Francis, Jimmy Thoronka, Judah Simpson, Michelle Thomas, John Trower, Yannick Phippen, Patrick Apantaku, Amber Purcell and Jaiten Best, along with the brilliant volunteers from University College Birmingham.
The smiles, effort and enthusiasm said it all.
Days like this show exactly why Athletics for All matters: children trying something new, meeting brilliant role models and leaving with a little more confidence than when they arrived.
Thank you to London Marathon Events and everyone involved in helping us bring Lloyd’s legacy to life for the next generation.
