Sports hall to be named after brave teenager

A sports hall at a Newark school has been named after a former pupil who touched the hearts of the public in his fight against cancer.

The Sam White Sports Centre, at Newark Academy, will be officially opened at the school’s carnival on Saturday, September 9.

Sam, who suffered from a brain tumour, died four years ago following a brave fight against the illness.

Sam was a keen sportsman who loved PE and was able to pass a GCSE in the subject after returning to school following treatment.

He also carried the London 2012 Olympic torch when it came into Newark Market Place.

His mother, Mrs Pam White, said: “It is overwhelming that this sports centre should be named after Sam. It has just come out of the blue.

“It’s a good tribute to him and reflects how proud he was of being a pupil at the school.

“He always loved to represent the school at various things and took great pride in that.

“This shows that they are quite proud of having him as a past pupil.”

'Sam still makes us proud'

Mrs White said her son would be immensely proud of having his name on the building.

“He had a strong sense of belonging, not just to Newark but to the school as well,” she said.

“Returning to school was one of his biggest aims, when he could, and he was very lucky that eventually all the support was put in place for him to return and sit his GCSEs.

“Even though Sam is no longer here, as parents he still makes us proud.”

The school’s carnival will be held from 11am to 3pm and will include a dog show, bouncy castle and zorbing.

A plaque will be unveiled at 11.30am to officially open the sports hall.

Nottingham Forest and the Nottingham School of Boxing will be at the event and visitors will have the chance to try sumo wrestling or watch the family entertainment.