Green Oaks Primary Academy learn about the physical and mental benefits of Judo with the amazing Nekoda Davis OLY
Green Oaks Primary Academy invited Commonwealth Gold Medallist and Olympian Nekoda Davis OLY, to deliver a special Bronze Judo Programme, and we LOVED IT!
“Judo is so good for your physical and mental health!”
What does it take to compete at an Olympic Games and perform at this highest level in Judo?
As a world-class athlete, mother, coach, and mentor, Nekoda Davis OLY was an incredibly inspirational role model for the Green Oaks Primary Academy students to meet during our summer programme this year.
It’s not every day that the Green Oaks Primary Academy students get to learn from a role model like Nekoda, who is working her way towards the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and competing in a sport they might never have seen or experienced before.
During our day, Nekoda shared insights into her sporting journey so far with the staff and students and the power and positive influence sport has had on her life. It was so important for the students to hear how being involved in sport and physical activity could also have a huge benefit on their lives too.
“I really loved school and the academic side of school, but Judo and sport gave me something else to focus on and supported my physical and mental development.”
The lessons learnt through Judo and professional sport are vast, and it was incredibly valuable for the students to hear how Nekoda works hard and applies herself to intense training and a hectic competition cycle during the lead-up to the Commonwealth and Olympic Games. The application of this growth mindset and resilience, when faced with a challenge, is something the students can apply to their home and school lives to gain massive rewards like Nekoda.
Although the students at Green Oaks Primary Academy had never tried Judo before and felt slightly apprehensive about giving it a go, it was amazing to watch them push themselves outside their comfort zones and support each other to learn some brand-new skills and learn how strong they can be when they set their mind to a task.
There were also some brilliant questions from the students during our day with Nekoda, including the following:
Did you do other sports when you were younger?
How many belts are there in Judo?
How many medals do you have?
Who is or has been your toughest opponent?
How many fights have you competed in?
Where are you going next to compete?
Do you still get nervous?
Does your opponent have to be the same weight as you?
How do you play against other people in the country?
Do you compete with males and females?
“If I do the work in training, I know mentally I am confident and physically I am prepared!”
A favourite part of the programmes for our Mintridge Ambassadors is awarding medals and certificates at the end of each session to students who showed excellent listening skills, determination, or perseverance during their practical challenges. We loved seeing the smiles on the faces of the award winners and the support the class showed each other during our sessions with the Green Oaks Primary Academy students!
As part of our programmes, we think sharing all the external opportunities that young people have to access sports and physical activity outside of school is essential. To find a Judo club local to Green Oaks Primary Academy, you can search via this club finder on the British Judo website.
We are delighted that the students at Green Oaks Primary Academy could meet Nekoda during our day to learn more about her journey and be inspired to work hard towards their goals and aspirations.
Thank you to the staff and students at Green Oaks Primary Academy for inviting Team Mintridge for this special day, and we look forward to hopefully seeing you all again next year.
At The Mintridge Foundation, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience our exceptional Mintridge role models' superpowers and learn from their amazing stories. We know that having a role model who can support you, positively influence you and offer you advice, can help you on your own journey and pathway to success.
If you are interested in a Programme with Nekoda Davis OLY, or any of our other Mintridge Ambassadors, or in a virtual or physical Programme with one of our team of inspirational Ambassadors, please get in touch via the Mintridge website or with Katie.
#TeamMintridge
The Mintridge Foundation is a registered charity dedicated to enhancing life skills in young people through sport. We provide a support network for young people by harnessing the power of positive sporting role models. The Mintridge Foundation assists young people of all ages, abilities, and physical capabilities to develop confidence and resilience, and creates awareness of the importance of mental and physical wellbeing through sport.
Our team of Ambassadors - Olympians, Paralympians and other professional sports stars from over 20 sports, both team and individual - work with young people in schools, clubs and academies across the UK. Starting with visits including assemblies, coaching clinics and classroom sessions tailored to each organisation’s requirements, our ambassadors can then provide one- on- one remote mentoring in a safeguarded environment, delivered via technology such as FitSwarm and Playwaze to build a lasting legacy for individuals.
The Mintridge Foundation’s successes demonstrate the incredible power of sport; from a mentee’s selection to represent Great Britain in their chosen field to enabling disabled children to find confidence and happiness just through participation. Understanding life after sport, we also support our Ambassadors in their transition from active sport to the next stage of their careers.
To find out more about the Mintridge Foundation, please contact Alex Wallace.
