Olympic Gold Medallist Visits Her Former Upminster Primary School.

An Olympic champion rower visited a primary school in Upminster last month – and children had a chance to hold her gold medal. 

  Grace Prendergast, an Olympic and World champion rower from New Zealand, went to Branfil Primary School in February, in her role as Ambassador for the international charity Right to Play. 

  Grace, who won gold and silver medals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and is a five-time world champion, delivered an assembly to children about her life as a professional athlete and the vital importance of play for children. 

 Right To Play is a global organisation that transforms the lives of vulnerable children across Africa, Asia and the Middle East using the power of play. Play is essential to children’s learning, development and wellbeing and is recognised as a fundamental human right. However, millions of children around the world are denied the opportunity to play due to the impact of conflict, poverty, child labour and exploitation. 

Last year, Right To Play was able to reach more than 5.6 million children globally, helping them to learn critical life skills, reach their potential and thrive through play. The charity’s work includes delivering play-based learning in schools and providing mental health support to help children living through conflict and crisis cope with trauma. 

  Grace Prendergast, Ambassador for Right To Play UK, said: “We were so pleased to meet the children at Branfil Primary School to talk about what play means and why it’s such an important part of children’s lives. The children were very engaged and had a great understanding about the benefits of play. They recognised that children in this country are fortunate in having access to sport and play, but that many young people around the world don’t have those same opportunities.” 

 A member of staff from the school said: “At Branfil Primary School, we wholeheartedly believe every child has the right to play. As adults, it’s our duty to ensure childhood is rich with playful experiences. We believe that outdoor play not only enhances learning but also leaves a lasting positive impact on children’s lives. We loved having Grace visit and show our children the amazing work of Right To Play.” 

 To find out more about Right To Play’s work, please visit www.righttoplay.org.uk 

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