St Matthew’s CofE Primary School, based in Edgeley, Stockport, received a surprise visit from double Olympian Tom Mitchell as part of a free education programme that aims to get children active, funded by British Gas through its partnership with Team GB and ParalympicsGB.
Tom Mitchell captained Team GB’s men’s rugby sevens side at two Olympic Games, including Rio 2016 where the squad brought home a silver medal. ‘Get Set for Positive Energy’ aims to educate young people aged from five to 11 on the importance of saving energy to drive change, get active and build healthy everyday habits.
During his visit to St Matthew’s, Tom led a series of workshop activities, as well as a Q&A designed to inspire the children into thinking more sustainably.
Through Get Set for Positive Energy, British Gas aims to reach up to one million young people and families across the UK by 2028. The programme takes inspiration from Olympic and Paralympic values to motivate young people to be active in creating a greener future for themselves and their communities.
Stephen Murphy, headteacher at St Matthew’s CofE Primary School, said:
“It was brilliant to welcome Tom into the school. He really inspired the children by sharing his stories from the world of rugby, encouraging everyone to get active and consider the benefits of renewable energy and sustainable living in the process. A special thank you to British Gas, Team GB and ParalympicsGB for making it such an enjoyable and knowledgeable experience – and of course, Tom Mitchell, who the children absolutely loved meeting!”
Tom Mitchell, former Team GB’s rugby sevens player, said: “Ever since I can remember, I have loved playing rugby, so it was a real honour to visit St Matthew’s and teach children the importance of team work, collaboration, perseverance and more – all essential skills in rugby and building sustainable habits for the future.
“Rugby has taught me so much in terms of working together as part of a wider community, so I hope I can inspire a few children to consider their role in building a more sustainable future together.”
Abi Robins, Director, Responsible Business at Centrica: “The Get Set for Positive Energy initiative is already proving a real success with different schools up and down the country, and it’s fantastic to see the impact Team GB and ParalympicsGB has on inspiring children to get active and consider their energy habits.
“Working towards net zero is a central focus for our business, and this programme of activity aims to engage and educate children on building a more sustainable future. We’re using our partnership with Team GB and ParalympicsGB to encourage schools to get more active and consider different ways to create a greener, fairer future.”
The partnership between Team GB, ParalympicsGB and British Gas launched in 2023. The five-year collaboration will last up until the Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028.
For more information on the Get Set for Positive Energy programme, visit: Get Set | Get Set for Positive Energy
