Cheshire Jets: Overleigh St Mary’s pupils get healthy message from stars

HEALTHY living education programme Hoops4Health kicked off 2012 at Overleigh St Mary’s Primary School in Chester.

Jets players worked with more than 60 children as skipper Colin O’Reilly, Bill Cole, Adam Brown and community coach Stephen Welsh spent the afternoon teaching pupils about healthy eating, the dangers of smoking and passed on some tips on basketball skills and fitness.

PE co-ordinator at Overleigh Jean McCormick said: “We were really pleased to welcome back the Jets.

“We have been involved with Hoops4Health for a number of years. At Overleigh St Mary’s we believe in being a healthy school and Hoops4Health gives children the information to take care of themselves.

“Taking part in sport is good to get the children fit but the healthy eating, anti smoking and drug awareness sessions are all part of their wider welfare.”

Jets captain O’Reilly backed up the importance of the lessons.

“With the cutting back of sport budgets it’s really important that the right messages still get across to kids about the need for a healthy balanced lifestyle. The children see us as ambassadors for health and fitness.”