“It all started in a sports hall just like this”: Olympian opens primary school’s new sports hall
Local Olympian Luke Whitehouse attended the opening of the school’s new sports hall last week.
Beech Hill Primary School celebrated the completion of its new sports hall last Thursday with an assembly.
Addressing the staff and pupils, Halifax gymnast Luke Whitehouse, who represented Great Britain at the 2024 Summer Olympics, said: “It all started in a sports hall just like this when I was five years old.
“It’s given me confidence, resilience and opportunities I never thought would be possible.”
Mr Whitehouse, along with Beech Hill’s head boy and girl, unveiled a plaque to mark the opening of the hall.
Also in attendance was Coun Danielle Durrans, cabinet member for public services and communities, who said it was “fantastic” to be part of the opening event.
She said: “It really does bring people together, supporting families and shaping the future of our very own young people in Calderdale.
“This new sports hall is much more than just a building; it’s a space of opportunity.
“I am absolutely delighted to be able to celebrate this moment with you all.”
Coun Durrans and Mr Whitehouse were presented with artwork from two pupils.
The newly opened space can now be used for a variety of uses, which was demonstrated by Beech Hill’s pupils during the assembly with a gymnastics performance, dance performance, and pickle ball demonstration.
The choir from Bradshaw Primary School, which is part of the same school trust, also gave a performance as part of the assembly.
Mr Nadim Najib, Chair of trustees at the school’s trust — The Family of Learning Trust — said: “We should we really proud and excited for the future. The children can learn teamwork, learn new skills, and build character.”
On the school’s vision for the new sports hall, Headteacher Sara Cockroft said: “We aim to nurture teamwork, respect, and a lifelong love of healthy living.”