The children of West Lancashire are looking forward to the Tokyo Olympics for 2 very special reasons. Emily Borthwick and Harry Coppell coached athletics in many of the primary schools as School Sport Specialists for the West Lancashire Sport Partnership and will be competing for Team GB in Tokyo. Emily in the High Jump and Harry the Pole Vault.

Both were educated in local schools, Emily at the Deanery and Harry at Up Holland High School. They moved to Loughborough to train full time 2 years ago and this has paid dividends with them achieving their dream of becoming Olympians.

Their success is inspiring children across the District. To celebrate their achievements, the West Lancashire Sport Partnership organised an Olympic Relay throughout the week of 5th to 9th July. 56 schools took part, carrying specially engraved batons for Emily and Harry. The schools also carried an activity pledge which they passed on to the next school with the baton. Each school selected baton and pledge bearers for their contribution to sport within their own school. The journey started at Bretherton Endowed Primary School and ended at Edge Hill University with Ormskirk Asmall Primary School completing the event.

Good Luck messages from children and staff across West Lancashire are being sent digitally to Emily and Harry to inspire them in Tokyo.

Chris Hart who organised the relay said: “To have 2 ex members of the West Lancashire Sport Partnership Staff competing at the same Olympics is amazing. We are so very proud of them and they are a true inspiration to the children.”

Good Luck Harry and Emily from all of us at WLSP.