St Mary’s Kickstart Programme

A group of A level PE students in St Mary’s CBGS concerned about the lowering levels of physical activity evident in their younger peers are staging a unique event next Thursday 8th February for all Year 8 students.
Four-time world kickboxing champion Billy Murray (ProKick) will put the youngest members of the school through a focused yet fun fitness session based around the sport of kickboxing.
This comes on the back of the school setting a World Record for the largest ever hurling training session in September 2017.  Read on.....

Why choose kickboxing?

Christopher Greene, a member of the Year 14 organising group, commented “to tackle the inactivity of many of our Year 8 students, we wanted to give them a chance to try a different sport. Something like kickboxing that many of them will never have had tried before. When Billy Murray came on board, we were all systems go. Not only do they get to try a new sport, but they also get to be coached by a world champion and legend of the sport.”

As well as promoting a healthy active lifestyle, the A level students are keen to advocate the link between physical and mental well-being.  Darren Donnelly, Year 14 chairman, said, “The stress, pressure and anxiety many young people are facing is growing. We can’t stand by and not act. Billy Murray has quite a story to share, from being bullied in school to a world champion. We are looking forward to the Year 8s coming away with a renewed sense of confidence and resilience, as well as experiencing a taste of kickboxing.”

Lighthouse Charity works alongside St Mary’s CBGS to provide support for students and training for staff. The ‘KICKSTART’ event will aim to raise money and awareness for this vital local charity.

To find out more from the organisers at St Mary's Grammar School - contact the names below:

Christopher Greene cgreene819@c2kni.net
Darren Donnelly ddonnelly597@c2kni.net
Kathryn Warren kwarren@c2kni.net