The 'Active School Hero' award relaunched this week after expanding from London to Birmingham.

The award scheme, which is supported by Nike and ukactive Kids, aims to celebrate inspirational primary school staff working hard to improve children’s activity levels within schools.

Last year Innogen Fryer, a Year 3 teacher from Hackney, was crowned London’s Active School Hero for 2019.

Research shows that active children are healthier, happier and more successful. They also perform better at school and have improved social skills. However more than a third of children and young people across London are active for fewer than 30 minutes a day, which is less than half the minimum amount of daily activity recommended by the World Health Organisation.

CONTRIBUTION

The award will also recognise one overall Active School Hero for each city who is making an outstanding contribution to getting young people moving and active.

Kare Adenegan, British Paralympian and Nike athlete supporting Active School Hero, said: “It’s so important to have people who encourage and provide positive voices to ensure everyone is included in sport and physical activity.

“There will be so many examples of teachers in London and Birmingham who are doing this, so it’s great that they are getting recognised. It’s so important to have someone who helps you believe in yourself.”

DEVELOPMENT

Nike and ukactive Kids will review nominations in partnership with Sport England, Women in Sport, the Youth Sport Trust, the Greater London Authority, Activity Alliance, the Association for Physical Education, London Sport, Sport Birmingham, The Active Wellbeing Society and UK Coaching.

The winners will receive professional development from Nike and the Youth Sport Trust, as well as tickets for their class to attend an elite sporting event.

Any adult can nominate one or more local hero until April 17 by visiting activeschoolhero.com.