Commonwealth Games hero Colin Fleming visits WL school

Oct 21 2010 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

COLIN FLEMING was a smash at Broxburn Primary School this week as the Commonwealth Games hero proved to be an ace guest.

The tennis star fielded a revealing question-and-answer session for pupils from the school as well as other pupils from all over West Lothian who tuned in via live video link.

Fleming, who won a gold medal along with mixed doubles partner Jocelyn Rae at the Delhi Games earlier this month, visited Broxburn Primary as part of the ongoing Glow initiative and he admitted he loved the experience.

Fleming said: “It was great fun and it was amazing to see the kids enjoying it so much.

“I was happy to come in and put a smile on their faces.

“The reaction was superb and hopefully the video conference went well and everyone in the different places could hear it okay.

“I was asked some really good questions and it was good fun all round.

“It would be great if my visit could inspire some kids to take up tennis or even just sport in general as it is a great thing to be involved in.”

Ian Harvey, deputy head at Broxburn Primary, said: “I think it has been a great chance to have so many different children involved from across the school and authority.

“It has really geed up enthusiasm to try this thing more.

“The fact it ran very successfully is always a bonus as well.

“This is the first one on this scale that we have hosted in this school and it went really well and smoothly.

“I think there have been a number held across the council and it is now more about getting people to buy into it and see the value educationally as well as the excitement level.

“It is great if we have children having fun at the same time.

“The questions were really imaginative and it was fantastic to see so many children fired up to find out about things – especially as we are in a culture of improving health and well-being.”