Commonwealth Medalist Encourages Kids to Eat Like Champions

Charline Joiner, pro cyclist and Commonwealth Games silver medalist, visited Pitlochry High School this week to deliver a cookery demonstration as part of the Champions in Schools Programme which is supported by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS). 

Charlene’s cookery demonstration showed a large group of pupils that it is easy for anyone, no matter how busy, to prepare healthy, nutritious food in a hurry. Throughout the demo, pupils were encouraged to ask questions, participate, and taste the end result - Scotch Beef steak fajitas.

Fife-based Charlene, who is a Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games medal hopeful, had a turbulent year last year when she broke her spine after a training accident in Spain. After several months in recovery, and a phased return to training, she is back to peak health and set to compete in the Games this summer.

She is one of the athletes who will visit one of 500 schools involved in Winning Scotland Foundation’s Champions in Schools programme. A healthy, balanced diet is an key message conveyed by the athletes who also educate pupils on how to set and achieve goals, appreciate the value of hard work and adopt a positive, winning attitude.

“I’ve really enjoyed chatting to pupils today,” said Charline.  “Through the cooking demonstration, I’ve hopefully encouraged them to adopt healthy eating habits which will help them reach their goals in life whether that’s on or off the sports field.”

Jennifer Robertson, Quality Meat Scotland’s Health and Education Coordinator commented: “We are delighted to continue our support of the Champions in Schools programme for the sixth year.

“The programme is a great extension to our existing health and education activities including our Red Meat Voucher scheme for schools, our free cookery demonstrations and our Go for it Scotland! bursary.

“The cookery demonstrations show how quick and easy it is to make a healthy red meat dish in a short period of time. They also give pupils a valuable insight into the important role red meat plays in your diet.”

Richard Orr, Senior Programme Manager for Champions in Schools, said: “Sportsmen and women are so valuable to society, because they can pass on crucial life messages to young people – such as the importance of working hard, setting goals, overcoming obstacles and of course, looking after yourself physically.

“That’s why, with fantastic athlete role-models such as Charline, we are working to deliver Champions in Schools across Scotland.  We have already impacted more than 10,000 young people across 400 schools.  By 2015, we aim for every Scottish school community to have access to an athlete role-model.