24th January 2024
Last Friday saw the return of the Memory café element of the popular ‘Empower to Achieve’ Heritage programme funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, made possible by money raised by National Lottery players.
The new addition to the existing quartet of Heritage women central to the project is Yamilé Aldama, a Cuban-born triple jumper, four-time Olympian and gold medallist at the 2012 World Indoor Championships.
Yamilé was back in Brent visiting Lyon Park School, having previously lived in the borough some time ago.
Following research, the students who make up the school’s Sports Council, fielded interesting questions to their Olympian guest including asking about her childhood in Cuba, and why she chose to represent three different Nations in the World Championships.
Following the Memory Café the students enjoyed some outdoor activities and were treated to a firsthand masterclass in the triple jump.
After an hour of warm-ups and training, the school hosted an Olympic style competition and three competitors took to the podium to receive their gold, silver, and bronze medals.
The students received signed photographs of Yamilé but were disappointed not to have their school shirts signed!
Nevertheless, everyone agreed it was a fantastic day where sports heritage and education met.