Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist visits ! - News - North East Lincolnshire

Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist visits !

COMMONWEALTH gold medal-winning gymnast Craig Heap has somersaulted into Grimsby to help inspire youngsters to get involved in the Sports Partnership’s Leadership Academy, a scheme aimed at getting young people into sports coaching and leadership.

Burnley-born Heap captained England to team gold at the 1998 and 2002 Commonwealth Games, and represented his country more than 100 times in all. He also picked up five World and five European titles during his time competing.

Since retiring from competition, Heap has remained involved in gymnastics, coaching youngsters in Newcastle and mentoring young people – in fact, three of his proteges are currently in Delhi competing at the Commonwealth Games.

Explaining why he was in Grimsby and supporting the Academy, Heap said: "I'm passionate about young people getting involved in leadership because I think the values that you can get out of sport used to be under-valued. These skills are easily transferable to business and it helps young people stand out when it comes to getting jobs and getting into university. The good thing about sport is that it is not always about the people who are there 'on the pitch'. You have officials, referees, event organisers and coaches, so it can tick a lot of boxes in terms of getting involved. Not everyone can go on to be an Olympic gold medallist, but they can all make a big difference."

Around 50 youngsters from schools across the area were at Oasis Academy Wintringham to see Heap launch the North East Lincolnshire School Sports Partnership initiative.

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