Partnership aims to inspire kids through sport

The Derbyshire Institute of Sport has formed a partnership with Embark Federation aimed at encouraging schoolchildren get active and healthy.

Embark Federation is a family of 17 primary and secondary schools across Derbyshire.

Using the four core beliefs of family, integrity, teamwork and success, it aims to create ‘stand out’ schools at the heart of their communities, developing well-rounded children.

Its ethos aligns with DIS’s mission to develop, inspire and support champions, in sport and beyond.

Recently, DIS founder Chloe Maudsley, along with business manager Jamie Spencer-Pickup, spoke at Embark’s annual conference, which attracted more than 1,000 educators.

The talk was followed by an impressive sporting demonstration from former international judo player and Commonwealth gold medal winner, Jamie.

Chloe said: “It was an honour to be invited to speak at the conference in front of so many teachers and educators.

“We had a great day and met some really inspirational people.

“We were fortunate to hear the conference’s other speakers and interestingly, although not surprisingly, out of the four incredible and motivational keynote speakers, three have had successful sporting careers.”

Among those speakers were Lord Holmes of Richmond MBE – a hugely successful ex-Paralympic swimmer and well-known athlete, Olympic medal winner and record holder in 400m sprint and hurdles Kriss Akabusi MBE.

Chloe said: “As DIS well knows, involvement in high-performance sport gives you an extraordinary set of skills that can set you up to successfully navigate any challenge you face in life, including business, so it was really interesting to hear about the amazing things these people have done in their careers beyond sport.”

DIS is now looking forward to continuing its partnership with the Embark Federation, with plans in the pipeline for an Olympic and Paralympic Day for schools, which will include activities such as alternative sports, making sports drinks and healthy snacks, and how to create high performance habits.

Chloe said: “We can’t wait to meet and engage with Embark school pupils, inspiring them to live a healthy, happy and active lifestyle, be successful, and become the best version of themselves.”