School’s tribute to a good sport

Two leading gymnasts visited a junior school to launch an annual sports and fitness day in memory of a teacher.

John Hunt Junior School, on London Road, Balderton, held an Ashton Day to promote sport and remember teacher and sports co-ordinator Mr Mick Ashton (55) who worked at the school for 28 years and died in January.

Throughout the day pupils took part in Mr Ashton’s favourite subjects — PE, geography and history. Computers were switched off because Mr Ashton did not like IT.

Staff and pupils ate his favourite food, fish and chips, for lunch.

Great Britain gymnasts and Sports For Schools representatives Nathan Dunston (20) of Clifton and Sam Hunter (19) of Chilwell, spent the morning at the school.

They put the children, aged seven to 11, through an energetic exercise routine, including star jumps, bench presses and press-ups.

Pupils at John Hunt Infants’ School were invited to the junior school to watch.

Mr Dunston performed basic skills, such as cartwheels and handstands and more advanced moves such as back flips.

Mr Dunston, who hopes to compete in the London 2012 Olympics, said: “The idea is to get the children to do a bit of exercise and promote sports in schools.”

Mr Hunter said it was an ideal opportunity to get children participating in sport and show them how dedication could lead to being chosen to represent Great Britain.

Mr Paul Rafton, a teacher and sports co-ordinator at the school, organised the day and said he hoped it would become an annual event to remember Mr Ashton.

The deputy head, Mr David Hutchinson, said: “Mr Ashton would have loved it. One of his big things was sport and he encouraged all children to get involved, regardless of ability.”

The children were sponsored to take part in the day, and raised more than £2,000 to be shared by Sports For Schools and the cost of new sports equipment, including netball nets, for the school.

Mr Ashton started the netball team shortly before he died.