Students at The Bay CE School have helped preserve Sandown’s rich sporting heritage by interviewing local sporting figures as part of the ‘Play in the Bay’ project.
Students and staff at The Bay CE School are celebrating their role in a community project designed to preserve and celebrate the sporting history of the Sandown area.
The ‘Play in the Bay’ initiative, funded by the Bay Place Plan’s Past Futures Grant, has brought together schools and community groups with the shared aim of archiving the Bay’s sporting legacy while inspiring future generations to get involved in sport.
As part of the project, students interviewed a host of accomplished sportspeople with connections to the area, producing a series of podcasts now available online.
The initiative has shone a light on a number of notable figures with strong ties to the Bay, including a 3-time Olympic table tennis player, a world-class canoeist and an FA Cup Final referee.
Among those featured was angler Kevin Sampson, who spoke about the popularity of fishing in the UK and the environmental challenges facing the sport today.
Ron Groves reflected on combining a career in the RAF with football refereeing, including his experiences during the early years of the Premiership, while Andre Usborne shared memories of competing at the 1982 World Championships and the 1984 Sarajevo Winter Olympics, as well as captaining the 1988 Olympic team in Calgary.
Boxer Ray Fallone also took part, speaking about his 100-fight career in which he was never knocked out, as well as his recognition in the ex-boxers hall of fame. He also highlighted the challenge of balancing life as a carpenter with sporting success.
Students also interviewed Brian Arnold (football), Carl Prean (table tennis), Cilla Morris (bowls), Graham and Grenville Tuck (running), Jim Thorn (cricket), John Harden (bowls), Pat Smythe (bowls), Pip Spibey (hockey), Richard Wilson (rifle shooting), Roy Jemson (bowls) and Terry Nigh (rowing).
A celebration event was held at The Bay CE School’s secondary site on Friday 20th March, bringing together students, athletes and members of the local community.
During the event, pupils shared their experiences and reflected on what they had learned, before Lord-Lieutenant Mrs Susie Sheldon unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the project, which will now be displayed at the school.
Emma Bowden, headteacher of The Bay CE School secondary site, said:
“It has been a real privilege to be involved in this project. Our students have gained so much from exploring the lives of extraordinary people and understanding the commitment and dedication required to succeed in sport. We hope this project will inspire future generations of athletes.”
Student Dan H-S, 15, said:
“This was such an interesting project to be part of. Interviewing so many people and learning how they started their sporting careers and the dedication they put into them was really inspiring.”
Leo S, also 15, added:
“Being part of this project made me realise that even though we live on a small island, it’s important to create your own opportunities. That’s exactly what the people we spoke to did.”
The ‘Play in the Bay’ project is set to leave a lasting legacy by preserving the stories of local sporting heroes and encouraging young people to pursue their own ambitions in sport and beyond.
