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RAAS A SPECIALIST SPORTS COLLEGE – PRESS RELEASE

Tuesday 22nd October 2005 saw the launch of the Royal Alexandra & Albert School as a Specialist Sports College. A number of distinguished guests were invited to attend the occasion to share their sporting and school experiences. Peter Gabbett, a former pupil of the school and Olympic Decathlete, was guest of honour and addressed the whole school in the opening ceremony. Kent Tristram from Reigate & Borugh council also attended the day as did Nick Hyde of NEC Harlequins RFC who ran a rugby coaching session in the afternoon with year 10 & 11. This was followed up on Thursday by a trip to watch Harlequins play Samoa at the Stoop.

Mr Gabbett left the Royal Alexandra & Albert School in 1957 and has represented Great Britain as a Decathlete, as well as being a member of the Great Britain Bobsled team. He was the first Commonwealth Athlete to achieve 8000 points in the decathlon and is still listed in the top 10 all time British Decathletes, only just behind the likes of Dean Macey and Daley Thompson. His time for the 400m in a decathlon is still the fastest ever run at sea level. Peter was selected for both the 1968 and 1972 Olympic Games and was a Silver medallist in the 1970 Commonwealth Games.

During the course of the day pupils participated in a number of different activities ranging from judo, archery and climbing to kick boxing and dance. Pupils also participated in a sports science lesson and have time to ask Mr Gabbett about his experiences as an international athlete. Thanks go to SAMA Karate & Kick Boxing, Westcroft Judo Club and Toeco Climbing Walls, for running the various activities.

The Royal Alexandra & Albert School was designated a Specialist Sports College in September 2005, since then there has been a great deal of work done to ensure that this has an impact on the whole life of the school and the wider community. As a Sports College the school is aiming to create an environment where all young people are encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyles, maximise their potential, value success and contribute fully to society. The School has been continually improving over the last 5 years and Specialist designation is the vehicle for further improvement in the future.

As a Sports College the School is also working with a number of local partner schools, Sports Clubs and Reigate and Banstead Borough Council to raise levels of sporting performance and increase opportunities for young people to participate and volunteer in Sport. A further event will be held later this academic year focusing on schools partnerships and community sport.