Hockey heroine gives students a pep talk

YOUNGSTERS from a primary school were given a taste of Olympic passion and commitment when they got the chance to meet a world-class athlete.

Bronze medal winner Chloe Rogers

Pupils from St Mary’s, in Castle Street, Saffron Walden, were treated to a workshop and question and answer session from Great Britain and England hockey star Chloe Rogers at the town’s museum to begin a year of sporting and cultural celebration.

The Essex County Council ambassador for 2012, who works to promote sport and the message of the Games across the county, also threw her weight behind Uttlesford’s Sporting Heroes project, which has been set up by Saffron Walden Museum and the district council.

The initiative invites the public to nominate those who have contributed to sport in the community at top and grass roots levels.

Chloe, 26, a bronze medallist at the 2010 Commonwealth Games who also came sixth in Beijing, said: “Sporting Heroes is a great idea. My PE teacher at school was a huge influence on me and it is people like that who really do help you along the way.

To nominate someone as an sporting hero, visit www.uttlesford.gov.uk/sportingheroes or collect a form at the museum.

A display of entries will be presented during the Sparks Will Fly cultural Olympiad at Walden Castle on Saturday, May 19.