Athlete Rion Pierre inspires Lowestoft primary school pupils

Athlete Rion Pierre shakes hands with Red Oak Primary School's PE co-ordinator Johnny Lee, after he was announced as a finalist in the Excellence in Middle Leadership category at Suffolk County Councils Raising the Bar Awards. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Sprinter Rion Pierre told youngsters at Red Oak Primary in Lowestoft that they were 'so lucky' to have so much space and greenery for their school playing field – which was in stark contrast to his schooldays.

He had moved from Jamaica to England with his family when he was five and his school didn't have a field only a small playground. He was initially overweight but was taught the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Then he discovered sport and realised that he was talented at many sports, amongst them football. He signed to Chelsea FC's youth team, but suffered an injury when he was 14. This made him even more determined to succeed and in an attempt to improve his football and athleticism he joined an athletics club. Here his talent for sprinting was noticed and his running career took off.

He said that by sharing his story with schoolchildren about what it had taken him to become a successful athlete and a successful person in life, he hoped to inspire them. By showing the importance of healthy living and of having a growth mindset and a positive attitude 'children could achieve their dreams,' he said.