Olympian and Paralympian open new sports hall as Birmingham School begins 70th birthday celebrations
Swanshurst School, part of the West Midlands Academy Trust, has kicked off its 70th birthday celebrations in style by welcoming an Olympian and a Paralympian to officially open its brand new sports hall.
Students, staff, governors and alumni were joined by Olympic bronze medallist Katharine Merry and Paralympic bronze medallist Ndidikama “Didi” Okoh on the 30th September for the grand opening of the state-of-the-art facility, which marks a significant investment in sport and physical education at the school. The event began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, before students showcased the new facilities through a series of sporting activities and demonstrations. Guests then heard from student leaders alongside both athletes, who shared inspiring stories about their sporting journeys and the challenges they overcame to achieve success at the highest level.
Katharine Merry (left in pic) is an English former sprinter. She achieved the bronze medal in the 400 metres at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and was the fastest woman in the world over 400 m in 2001. Didi Okoh (right in pic) won bronze in the T63 100 metres at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and spoke about the importance of inclusion in sport and the positive impact that physical activity can have on young people’s lives. The new state of the art sports hall complements Swanshurt’s existing sports hall, gym, dance studio and outdoor courts, providing additional space for curriculum lessons, enrichment activities and competitive sport.
Current student leaders also spoke at the event and others in attendance enjoyed using the new facilities. Several past students with strong sporting backgrounds were also invited along to mark the moment. At Swanhurst School their PE curriculum is designed to offer students a broad and varied range of sporting opportunities, including team games such as netball, football, rounders, cricket, tag rugby and basketball, alongside individual activities including athletics, fitness, swimming, dance, badminton, short tennis and trampolining.
Students also take part in outdoor adventurous activities and leadership opportunities helping to develop their confidence and team working skills. The grand opening was the launch of the school’s 70th birthday celebrations and more events are planned throughout the academic year, which will include a special ‘Swanshurst through the years’ exhibition. Year 9 pupils Cianne and Johanna, who attended the opening event said: “I liked hearing about the stories from the external visitors, about how they got into sport and what they had to overcome; it was inspiring.
“It was nice to be part of the opening and playing the matches, as it was good to get the practice with different year groups involved too. Mike Dunn, Executive Headteacher at Swanshurst School and CEO of West Midlands Academy Trust and said: “It was a real privilege to welcome Katharine to Swanshurst.
“Her story is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through determination and a passion for your sport, and it was brilliant to see her inspiring our students. Our new sports hall is a fantastic addition to the school and gives even more of our students the opportunity to enjoy sport, develop their skills and discover activities they may go on to love. We were also delighted to welcome former students with sporting backgrounds back to Swanshurst to share in this special moment.
“As we celebrate 70 years of the school, it was particularly fitting to bring together our past, present and future and celebrate everything that makes Swanshurst such a special part of the Birmingham community."
