Team GB Paralympian David Weir inspires local primary schools

Active Hastings was delighted to join St Paul’s CE Academy on Friday 20 March for a special visit from renowned Paralympian David Weir. Pupils from St Paul’s CE Academy, St Marys Special School and College and New Horizons Special Educations School (years 4, 5 and 6) took part in an inclusive one-mile run, jog, walk or wheel, as part of the TCS Mini London Marathon in schools (MLMis) project.  

David Weir, a decorated GB Para athlete with ten Paralympic medals, including six golds, spent time answering pupils’ questions and encouraging them to lead active, healthy lives. His visit supported the TCS Mini London Marathon in schools programme, which aims to inspire children of all abilities to enjoy physical activity by taking part in a two-mile run, jog, walk or wheel around their own school setting. 

Joining Sarah Ruusuvuori, Active Hastings Co-Ordinator at the celebration event were Councillor Becca Horn (The Mayor of Hastings), David Taylor (Active Schools Officer) and Ed Bartram, (Project & Events Officer) from Active Sussex, alongside representatives from the London Marathon Group, Frances White (Children and Young People Engagement Lead) and Luke Lambert-Bichon (Communications Manager).  

Sarah Ruusuvuori, Active Hastings Co-ordinator said: “It was fantastic to see so many children taking part with such enthusiasm. The Mini London Marathon in schools is a wonderful opportunity to show young people that being active can be fun and achievable for everyone. Having David Weir here to inspire them made the day even more special.” 

Councillor Glenn Haffenden, leader of the council and lead councillor for sport and leisure, said: “Events like this highlights the power of sport, it’s wonderful to see children from different schools coming together and being inspired to be physically active. We’re incredibly proud of all the pupils who took part, and grateful to the London Marathon Group for helping create such a positive experience for everyone to enjoy”.  

Schools in Hastings and the South East have until Friday 1 May to sign up to take part in the 2026 TCS Mini London Marathon in schools. It is free, with all schools sent resources – including print-out bibs, bunting, Finish Line and certificates – as well as a trophy for completing the challenge. The resources also include teaching and activity tips and healthy recipes from The Body Coach Joe Wicks, and all participating schools will be entered into a ballot to win a visit and a live activity session from Joe himself. Early-years schools will also be able to access resources to share with children from the one-and-only Peppa Pig, with tips on ways to get active in school and at home. 

Active Hastings is hosted by Hastings Borough Council, in partnership with East Sussex County Council, and brings together a wide range of local and national partners to ensure that everyone in Hastings can get active. 

-Ends-
Notes to editor: 

Active Hastings works closely with local providers of physical activity to give you easy, fun ways to get your everyday dose of physical activity. It only takes 30 minutes a day for adults and 60 a day for children to get fitter, healthier and happier. You can even break it down into 10 minute slots! 

Active Hastings coordinates the local Community Physical Activity Network, which brings together schools, sport clubs, National Governing Bodies of Sport, health organisations, the voluntary sector and the private sector to work together, unblock barriers to participation and improve the local sport and physical activity delivery system. 

Active Hastings is hosted by Hastings Borough Council, in partnership with East Sussex County Council, and brings together a wide range of local and national partners to ensure that everyone in Hastings can get active. 

Find out more at www.activehastings.org.uk or follow them on Facebook ‘Active Hastings’.  

For more information contact Emma Bailey, Social Marketing and Communications Officer, Active Hastings, Hastings Borough Council on 01424 451145 or email: emma.bailey@hastings.gov.uk.