Olympian backs community scheme

Talented trainees on the West Ham United in the Community scheme were aiming high this week when Olympic athlete Dalton Grant paid a visit.

The well-respected high jumper, who competed for Great Britain at the Seoul, Barcelona and Atlanta Games, spoke to a group of youngsters from Robert Clack School in Dagenham. They were all taking part in a mentoring day alongside the Community scheme's young trainees.

Agility, balance and co-ordination topics were provided for the group who then delivered PE sessions for Newham children at Beckton Training Centre. Dalton played a key role in delivering the sessions which proved highly effective and inspirational for the participants.

West Ham United Community Chief Executive Mick King paid tribute to London-based Grant, whose personal best was 2.37m, for sharing his experiences as a world-class athlete. "Dalton is an outstanding role model and a source of inspiration to young people," he said. "He passes on his values and aspirations to achieve excellence, which they connect with via his enthusiasm."