Olympic Gold medallist praises school at the unveiling of a fantastic new sports pitch

An Olympic Gold medallist says she was “blown away” by a Surrey school at the official unveiling of their new sports playing surface.

Giselle Ansley MBE was part of Team GB’s victorious 2016 women’s hockey team and continues to represent England and Great Britain. This week, she visited King Edward’s Witley to inspire pupils as part of the celebrations to launch the School’s new Astro-pitch surface.

Giselle said: “King Edward’s Witley clearly sees the value of sport. The facilities, like this new playing surface, are fantastic. You can see how much the pupils really love their sport here.

“To be honest, I have been blown away by what I have seen. There are some incredibly talented young people, some of whom could go a long way in their sporting careers. They have the environment, coaching and support to excel in their chosen sports.”

As part of the celebrations, Giselle led a Masterclass for the budding hockey stars from King Edward’s and partner school Barrow Hills on the new surface. Giselle also provided coaching advice during one of the School’s several hockey fixtures.

Joanna Wright, the School’s Head, commented: “Today has been a real privilege to be a part of. Our pupils have loved learning from someone who has such a fantastic array of experiences and stories to draw upon, to help give them that additional spark of inspiration. Most of all however, days like today encourage every pupil, of every ability, to simply enjoy taking part in sport. It helps build character, develops a healthy competitive spirit and contributes to fitness and wellbeing in both body and mind.”

The new playing surface, which cost tens of thousands of pounds to upgrade, is just part of the School’s continued investment in the sporting culture. It was recently announced that former Surrey cricketing legend, Rikki Clarke, had become the School’s new Director of Cricket, to sit alongside specialist coaches in other sports.

Mrs Wright added: “Inspiring young people is about creating an environment where they can access the best coaching and facilities in an environment where they have fun and can try new things.

“The new sports pitch is just part of our continued commitment to enhancing this culture at King Edward’s Witley.”