Equestrian Vaulting Ace Inspires Kids to Eat Like a Champion

Hannah Eccles, World silver medalist for equestrian vaulting pas-de-deux (pairs), visited Eastwood High School this week as part of the Champions in Schools Programme which is supported by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS). 

Hannah, who is a four-time vice European champion for pas-de-deux and came second in the 2012 Vaulting World Cup, delivered a cookery demonstration to a large group of pupils at Eastwood High School.

The cookery demonstration, which showed pupils that it is easy for anyone, no matter how busy, to prepare healthy, nutritious food in a hurry, encouraged pupils  to ask questions, participate, and taste the end result - Scotch Beef steak fajitas.

Throughout 2014 thirteen athletes will each 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 Hannah.  “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 Hannah, 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.

“We are extremely grateful to have QMS on board as partners – their diet and exercise messages mirror our own, and together we are committed to helping young people in Scotland make the right lifestyle choices.”