Suffolk Paralympian Hetty Bartlett opens new school running track

In a project that was two years in the making, the new mile-long track was officially opened at Gislingham Primary School, near Eye, in a ceremony on Monday, February 27.

Paralympian Hetty Bartlett cut the ribbon at its Grand Opening with the school headteacher Richard Benstock.

The school's Parent-Teacher Association organised a sponsored run at the event, raising nearly £2,000 for sports equipment at the school and for the SportsAid charity, which will help fund the training and preparation of Miss Bartlett as she prepares for the Paris games.

Headteacher Richard Benstock said: "The running track will be a fantastic resource, not only for the children, but for the local community as well.

"Keeping fit and healthy both physically and mentally is a priority for us, here at Gislingham, where a healthy body leads to healthier minds.

"The children, thanks to a huge amount of work from local people and businesses, now have a resource to use all year round and we are grateful to everyone who made this possible."

Keith Parker, regional sales manager at Sportsafe, the company who installed the track, added that they are "thrilled" to have completed the project.

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Mr Parker said: "This project has been a great opportunity to promote physical activity and encourage healthy habits among young children in the community.

"The new track is made from sustainably sourced high-quality materials, ensuring that it will provide a safe and enjoyable running experience for many years to come. We have also taken great care to ensure that the track is accessible to all children, with features such as non-slip surfacing and appropriate gradients to cater to children of different ages and abilities.

"It is our hope that this project will inspire other schools in the area to prioritise physical activity and invest in similar initiatives to promote the wellbeing of children."